Adrian’s inspiring and relentless pursuit to bring people together and provide a helping hand to those around him started when he was three years old, washing dishes in his grandparents restaurant on the west side of Detroit. Through the years, he has been instrumental in gathering community-minded people together to create solutions to issues facing our community like blight, lack of access to an equal education, public safety for everyone, and numerous other challenges. These uncommon alliances have resulted in action plans and cooperative bonds for the purpose of doing good work in our communities and across Michigan.

A first-generation American from an Italian-immigrant family, Adrian developed foundational skills in business and hospitality while working in his family restaurant, Café Cortina. He eventually joined his mother full-time and brought the restaurant to national and global renown. Adrian continued his work in the community mentoring youth, serving senior citizens, advocating for foster care reform, and co-founding a music label intended to champion entrepreneurial independence and equity for up-and-coming artists.

Still eager to serve and be immersed in his community, Adrian joined the campaign of now-Mayor Michael Duggan and helped him win a groundbreaking write-in campaign. He transitioned to the municipal government to help promote a world-class customer service and constituent affairs culture. Adrian was appointed the founding Director of Customer Service for the City of Detroit and later the city’s first 24-Hour Economy Ambassador or “night mayor” where he led a renaissance for Detroit, creating thousands of jobs at night. With an extensive track record of creating jobs in the private and public sectors, Adrian has a reputation of being accountable, reliable, and relentless.

Adrian continues to bridge the divide between government, community, and industry stakeholders to advocate for an equitable, inclusive, safe, and healthy Michigan.