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Cobbina brings extensive leadership experience across economic development, sports and entertainment, and public policy to lead Detroit’s premier innovation and cultural hub into its next phase of growth. Carolina Pluszczynski to retire following a 26-year career at Ford Motor Company and leadership as COO and interim CEO of Michigan Central.

DETROIT, MI — Aug. 3, 2026 — Michigan Central, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, today named Awenate Cobbina as its new chief executive officer.

Cobbina, whose career spans large-scale economic development, sports, entertainment, public policy and venture ecosystems, will lead the 30-acre mobility-focused innovation district through its next phase of commercialization and community growth.

Cobbina has led in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as chief of staff to the president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. Previously, he was president of the Shinola Hotel joint venture; CEO of Bedrock Manufacturing Company, the parent company and brand steward of Shinola and Filson; and vice president of public and business affairs for Palace Sports & Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons.

He also served as chair of the executive committee for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where he worked to drive economic growth, business expansion and talent retention across Michigan. Early in his career, Cobbina spent nearly six years at the White House in various leadership roles, including special assistant and policy adviser to President Obama.

“Michigan Central is at a pivotal moment as it transitions from an ambitious visionary project into a fully operational hub for innovation and commercial growth,” said John Lawler, Ford vice chairman.

“Awenate is uniquely qualified to lead this ecosystem into its next phase. His experience across business, economic development, public policy and venture capital – combined with his strong connection to Detroit and the state of Michigan – makes him the ideal leader to drive Michigan Central forward.”
Michigan Central’s renaissance began in 2018, when Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford spearheaded the purchase of the long-abandoned station and surrounding property, and laid out a vision to transform it into a technology, innovation and cultural hub.

Ford restored the station in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood over the next six years and reopened it in June 2024. Today, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working to shape the future of mobility and economic opportunity in Detroit. Along with the start-ups, non-profits and public-private sector tenants that make up the innovation district, the station will be home to an 180-room NoMad hotel set to open next year.

“I am honored to step into the role of CEO at Michigan Central,” Cobbina said. “What Ford, the city of Detroit and the community have built at Michigan Central is remarkable. This district is not only restoring an iconic piece of Detroit and American history, but it is actively creating the future of mobility and economic opportunity right here in Corktown. I look forward to working closely with our partners, founders and civic leaders to build on this momentum.”

Cobbina and his team will continue to build on Michigan Central’s success that was recently detailed in its annual economic impact report and included:
• Michigan Central’s ongoing operations have supported approximately $5.2 billion in cumulative economic impact to date.
• Michigan Central supported 5,820 total jobs across Michigan in 2025. This includes 1,420 direct jobs at Michigan Central, plus approximately 4,400 indirect and induced jobs across the broader economy.
• By 2028, Michigan Central is projected to reach $3.2 billion in annual economic impact and support more than 2,500 direct jobs.

Cobbina’s appointment is effective immediately. He will work closely with Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy and outgoing chair of Michigan Central, on the transition. He succeeds Carolina Pluszczynski, who served as interim CEO and is retiring after 26 years at Ford Motor Company.

Over her Ford career, Pluszczynski held leadership positions across engineering, manufacturing, strategy and mobility projects. As chief operating officer and interim CEO, she guided the district’s operational debut, including the June 2024 reopening of Michigan Central Station, and built the operational base for its incubators, retail partners and community programming.

“We thank Carolina for all her contributions to Michigan Central and wish her all the best in her next chapter,” Lawler said.

About Michigan Central
Michigan Central is a 30-acre technology and cultural hub in Detroit, where leaders, thinkers, communities and creators come together to accelerate bold ideas and technologies that shape our collective future. By providing access to world-class infrastructure, tools, and resources, Michigan Central inspires innovators and community members to collaborate on real, ground-breaking solutions to global problems. Since opening in April 2023, Michigan Central has grown into a diverse ecosystem of nearly 250 companies and startups working at the intersection of mobility, technology and society. Learn more at michigancentral.com