In its sixth iteration, MOVE America is coming to Detroit.
Detroit is a city bursting with innovation and culture, home to an ever-growing community of renowned start-up incubators such as Newlab, SPARK and TechTown, as well as a thriving music and culinary scene.
Detroit’s legacy, as the beating heart of America’s auto industry, is firmly established. Lovingly known as the state that put the rest of the U.S. on wheels, Detroit is where mobility’s past meets its future.
The city is home to the nation’s first electric charging road, the Connect autonomous shuttle and the beautifully renovated Michigan Central train station.
The birthplace of the Model T Ford, Detroit continues its legacy as a hub of automobile manufacturing, producing around 1.7 million automobiles per year from the likes of Stellantis, General Motors and Ford.
Local talent at MOVE America 2025
This year we welcome a host of home-grown talent to MOVE America 2025, presenting an agenda packed full of Detroit-based speakers and delegates.
With representation from Michigan Department of Transportation, City of Detroit, Michigan Central, The Detroit News, and many more, we can’t wait to hear from some of most influential voices making mobility happen in the Motor City.
A closer look at some of our speakers on the ground
Tim Slusser, Chief of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit
With a career spanning renewable energy and vehicle electrification, Detroit’s Chief of Mobility Innovation, Tim Slusser, has already helped reel in a casual $6 billion worth of EV and energy storage investments for Michigan.
Now, he’s shifting gears to focus on electrification, hydrogen fuelling, and all things clean and connected in Detroit.
Whether it’s rolling out fast-charging pilots or testing new mobility ideas on city streets, Tim is on a mission to make transportation greener and more accessible for residents across the Motor City.
I’m honoured to serve the City of Detroit in this role and I’m inspired by Mayor Duggan’s vision for the future of Detroit.”
Tim Slusser will be speaking on our smart cities stage on September 25.
Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, State of Michigan
Based in Michigan but hailing from Los Angeles, Justine Johnson has a hefty résumé spanning both coastlines.
Justine’s passion for clean mobility traces back to her childhood, where she recognised the devastating health implications of living near busy freeways in L.A.
Now, as Michigan’s newest Chief Mobility Officer, Johnson is passionate about delivering policy that promotes healthier and more equitable communities.
She has proven herself as an advocate for change, serving as Board Co-Chair of BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and as Board Chair for Urban Movement Labs.
“My role as Michigan’s Chief Mobility Officer has provided me with a significant platform and a bevy of resources to effect meaningful change and contribute to the development of sustainable, eco-friendly mobility practices.”
With Justine’s focus on sustainability and clean mobility steering Michigan’s growth, Detroit is proving that the Motor City state isn’t just keeping up with the times- it’s leading the charge.
Hear Justine speak on the Regulation, Liability & ESG stage on September 24.
Michael Maten, Director, EV Policy & Regulatory Affairs,
General Motors
Michael Maten has spent more than a decade helping General Motors put the spark in its electric future.
From sketching out the advanced plans that gave us the Cadillac Lyriq and Hummer EV, to shaping EV policy on everything from charging stations to supply chains, Michael is a key player in GM’s journey to a zero-emissions tomorrow.
A proud University of Michigan chemical engineering alum, Michael now chairs Indiana’s EV Product Commission and has advised on national partnerships to promote electric vehicles.
GM is committed to an all-electric future. Between our current products like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV, Cadillac LYRIQ, and GMC Hummer EV, and products launching next year… the flexibility of GM’s Ultium platform will allow us to bring to market electric vehicles at nearly every price point and for every purpose.
Don’t miss Michael on the Energy and Charging stage September 24.
Mel Roberts, Director of North America Infotainment & Features Planning,
Stellantis
With more than two decades of experience Mel Roberts has built her career at the crossroads of engineering and innovation.
Now serving as Director of North America Infotainment & Features Planning at Stellantis, Mel blends market trends, customer insights, and cutting-edge tech to map out the future of in-car experiences.
Her career highlights include leading advanced development across infotainment and driver assistance, guiding high-profile vehicle programs like the Grand Wagoneer and Chrysler Pacifica, and shaping interiors for everything from sedans to SUVs.
With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech, Mel is a true Detroiter, helping Stellantis lead the charge in electrification and software development.
You can find Mel on the Business Models Stage September 24.
Robert Cramer, Executive Director of Transit,
Detroit Department of Transportation
Robert Cramer is Detroit’s newest Executive Director of Transit, trading in the iconic loop of the People Mover for the city’s much larger DDOT bus system.
After more than two years running the People Mover, Robert leaves behind quite the track record. Under his watch, the system launched its first-ever free fare program, prompting an 80% ridership boost.
During his tenure, the People Mover carried more than 70,000 fans during the NFL Draft, a feat not seen since Detroit hosted the Super Bowl.
Now, with Mayor Duggan’s full confidence, Robert is gearing up to steer DDOT into its next era, with more reliable schedules and expanded service on the horizon.
“I’m honoured to lead the team to continue the progress made and be part of a first-class transit system.”
Catch Robert Cramer moderating the MaaS stage September 25.
Michael Hale Jr., Project Manager, City of Detroit
Growing up on Detroit’s Westside, Michael Hale Jr. experienced the inequalities in Detroit’s urban transportation first-hand.
Now serving in Detroit’s Office of Mobility Innovation, Michael aims to fill the gaps in the city’s mass transportation network.
Under the SMART MODES project, Michael is helping Detroit reimagine street safety, rolling out real-time data tools at 19 intersections to cut crashes and make the streets safer for everyone.
Backed by a $2 million federal grant, the project isn’t just about dashboards and sensors; it’s about equality, making sure historically underserved neighbourhoods aren’t left out of strategic mobility decisions.
Whether you are biking, driving, walking or catching the bus, Michael is committed to delivering safer streets for all.
I feel a sense of responsibility to bring change. We deserve safer roads, we deserve to cross the street without fear of losing our lives, we deserve safe streets.
Michael will be on the Business Models stage September 24.
Britany Affolter-Caine, Executive Director, The Research Universities for Michigan
Britany’s career has spanned everything from talent development at Ann Arbor SPARK to policy work at the Detroit Chamber and even the Brookings Institution.
Now as Executive Director at The Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), she’s focused on making sure Michigan’s research universities stay on the cutting edge while strengthening ties with government, industry, and non-profit partners.
If her track record is anything to go by, RU4M is in very capable hands.
“It’s exciting, and humbling, to be selected to lead Michigan’s Research Universities for Michigan. I welcome the challenge of building on the success of my predecessor and our university leaders.
Don’t miss Britany moderating the Business Models stage September 24.
Want to learn more? Visit our website for up-to-date agendas and a full list of the movers and shakers joining us in Detroit this September.
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