TEDxDetroit | Producers

Behind the X

Meet the production team that brings TEDxDetroit to life each year

A city made strong by the people who love it. It’s easy to see that passion in every speaker, performer, and exhibitor you’ll meet at TEDxDetroit. What you may not notice are the faces working tirelessly behind the scenes to produce the event.

The large team of volunteers working on the day of the event are led by our board of directors who plan the event each year. Each member of the board volunteers months of their time and expertise to make this annual event spring to life.

Our production team personifies the exact idea that TEDxDetroit represents: a group of people coming together to cultivate creativity, inspiration, and innovation for the benefit of the community.

Next time you see them around town or online, give them a high-five, fist bump, or gold star.

Charlie Wollborg

Executive Producer
Curator

Chief Troublemaker. Keynote Speaker. Entrepreneur. Creative Director at Curve Detroit Marketing and author of the Moka Boka Adventure Stories, a series of books nurturing creativity in young kids. Lover of shiny objects, bacon & Pure Michigan. On a mission to rekindle the fire in your belly.

Nick DeNardis

Executive Producer
Technical Director

Minimalist. UX crafter. Library Scientist. Speaker. Educator. Realist. Director of Digital Communications at Wayne State University. Detroit Laravel and Refresh Detroit organizer.

Terry Bean

Executive Producer
Community Director

Terry Bean is honored to be in his 13th year with the event. His role on the TxD board is similar to the work he does with Trybean: leveraging his knowledge and network to move things forward.

Terry Bean is a sought after presenter, business growth catalyst and great guy to have on your team.

Shawn Lee

Executive Producer
Photography Director

Photographer. Influencer. Speaker. Founder of Shawn Lee Studios, Rock That Photography Conference, and the Multicultural Association of Professional Photographers. Shawn is also a photography instructor at Schoolcraft College and the diversity lead for the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Anu Gopalakrishnan

Executive Producer
TEDxLabs Curator

Anu is excited to serve on the board of TEDxDetroit as she brings years of experience in managing and marketing digital products around Connected Mobility and Fintech.

Janet Tyler

Executive Producer
Communications Director

Janet is the founder of True Depth Growth Accelerator – an executive coaching and management consulting firm working with business owners and senior leaders in the technology, manufacturing and professional services arenas. She helps leadership teams achieve their goals through executive coaching, strategic planning, recruiting and growth marketing.

Michael Scamardella

Executive Producer
Sponsorships

Fearlessly inspired entrepreneur, commercial real estate executive, father of three wildly curious boys and a lover of creation, connecting people and ideas to make special things happen. A first-generation Italian American with a deep passion for his Detroit & Italian roots. Fiercely devoted to the powerful impact of TEDx Detroit. Equal parts thinker and doer; a team player and team builder.

Erica Owens

TEDxMakerspace Curator

Entrepreneur, writer, collaborator, artist, philanthropist, community leader and Joy Agent, Erica encourages others to find and spread joy. She is the founder of Frugal on the Fly, a Detroit nonprofit creating access to free and affordable experiences for families. She firmly believes “Spontaneous adventures and acts of kindness are key to finding more joy in your life.”

Lisa Diggs

TEDxMarketplace Director

Writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for Michigan businesses, Lisa is the founder of Buy Michigan Now, a statewide campaign that helps revitalize our economy by building awareness of locally-made products and Michigan-based businesses. Most days she can be found traveling around the state collecting and sharing the stories of fellow entrepreneurs.

John Johnson

Education Director

John Johnson is the Director of Postsecondary & Alumni Affairs at University Prep Schools in Detroit. He is a 2020 Detroit New Leader Council Fellow and currently a 2021 San Diego State University Equity in College Counseling Fellow. In 2020, he was awarded the Influential Educator Award by the Michigan Chronicle, and most recently, was given the 2021 Fred Martin/Coleman A. Young Educator of the Year.

Julie Barnes Maurer

Volunteer Director

Born in Detroit and raised all over the northern suburbs, Julie Barnes Maurer is the Trampoline and Tumbling Team head coach at fLipSpot Gymnastics. She is a perpetual volunteer and community enthusiast. On any given day you will find her running with one or all of the Detroit running groups or helping out at Detroit running events.

Shannon Tucker

Stage Manager

Multimedia Developer at Wayne State University.

Christopher Johnson

Program Manager

A virtual event producer with Calm Clear Communications, and an audiobook narrator with VoicedByCGJohnson. Enjoys swimming, music, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Tramaine Seay

Photography Manager

Public school educator gone rouge turned photographer. Mom to 4 amazing rascals. Frequently vacations in extra-large chai tea lattes. Founder of Photography by Tramaine Seay.