Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Names Delorean Holmes Executive Director

Detroit native and former Port Authority deputy director returns to lead the agency, succeeding retiring Executive Director Mark Schrupp

DETROIT. November 2, 2026— The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Delorean Holmes as the Port Authority’s new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Holmes brings to the role deep familiarity with the Port of Detroit and more than a decade of experience in economic development and public policy. He previously served at the Port Authority from 2014 to 2016 and 2017 to 2022, first as economic growth manager and later as interim deputy director and deputy director, before moving on to senior economic development roles with the City of Detroit and Wayne County.

Holmes rejoined the port on October 5 to begin the transition process and will be assuming the role full-time November 13. He succeeds Mark Schrupp, who is retiring after leading the Port Authority since March 2021.

“Delorean Holmes knows this port, knows the infrastructure needs of this region and knows the people who drive our area’s maritime and economic development growth,” said Jonathan C. Kinloch, chairman of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Board of Directors. “He helped build much of the foundation we stand on today, and he returns with the experience in city and county economic development to take the Port Authority to its next level. On behalf of the board, I also want to thank Mark Schrupp for his steady leadership and service. Mark leaves the Port Authority stronger than he found it, and we wish him a well-deserved retirement.”

During his tenure, Schrupp led the development of a Decarbonization and Air Quality Improvement Plan for the entire Port of Detroit, including its private terminals, with a goal of reducing port-related carbon emissions to net zero by 2040. He also worked to develop a new publicly owned general cargo dock, secured a $16 million federal Port Infrastructure Development grant, and championed new uses of the Great Lakes for short-sea shipping.

“Returning to the Port Authority is truly a dream come true,” said Holmes. “I see tremendous opportunity to position it as a leading regional economic development and workforce development organization. My focus will be on expanding cargo and cruise activity, attracting new investment, advancing maritime innovation and sustainability, and creating meaningful pathways to good-paying careers in the blue economy. I would like to thank Chairman Kinloch and the members of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority’s Board for selecting me for this role during this exciting opportunity for maritime expansion.”

Most recently, Holmes served as Economic Vitality Director at Wayne County Economic Development Department, a position he has held since December 2023. Before that, he was Director of Development for the West Region at the City of Detroit’s Housing and Revitalization Department from 2022 to 2023. He also served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Ian Conyers from 2016 to 2017.

Since 2014, Holmes has served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he currently holds the rank of Major in the Logistics Branch. Throughout his military career, he has served in numerous leadership and staff roles, gaining extensive experience in strategic planning, logistics operations, organizational management, and mission execution.

A native Detroiter, Holmes holds a Bachelor of Arts in urban studies from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in public policy from Walden University. He is a graduate of Cass Technical High School.

MEDIA CONTACT: Colleen Robar, 313-207-5960, crobar@robarpr.com