Nelson currently is responsible for federal, state, county and local legislative and policy affairs and directs day-to-day management of the University's Department of Government Affairs. For the past four years, she has led the development of the Wayne State University research and technology park, which has been a university, business and government partnership. In this capacity, Nelson led the establishment of alliances with federal, state, county and local officials along with business and community officials and university faculty and administration. In her current capacity, she also works to seek critical university funding and other support.

"Faye clearly has the qualities required to achieve our vision of the Detroit Riverfront," said DRFC Co-Chair Matt Cullen, General Motors general manager of economic development and enterprise services. "Our search process focused on identifying a candidate who is an exceptional organizational leader and visionary, with a passion for the mission of the Detroit Riverfront, along with the skills necessary to make this vision a reality."