Strong communities are shaped by visionary leaders. Marian Reich, President of Global Ties Detroit, is one such exemplary individual. For more than two decades, Marian has dedicated her time, talent, and heart to championing the power of people-to-people exchange programs, first at WorldChicago (2003-2011) and then at Global Ties Detroit (2012-2026). This winter, we bid farewell and congratulations to Marian as she steps down as the President and CEO of Global Ties Detriot.
During her almost 15 years with Global Ties Detroit, Marian steered the organization through a rebrand, the COVID-19 pandemic, and to become a national leader in international exchange programs. Marian has hosted thousands of international visitors in Detroit through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and countless more U.S. Department of State professional and educational exchange programs that benefit Southeast Michigan and the state overall.
A passionate citizen diplomat, Marian is also dedicated to developing the future of our field. She’s mentored and nominated Emerging Leaders Program alumni; collaborated with Network colleagues on numerous virtual, hybrid, and in-person exchange programs; and championed Detroit’s small businesses and entrepreneurs through innovative programming that showcases the city’s entrepreneurial drive and impact.
Marian will long be remembered for her warmth, commitment to excellence in programing, and indelible impact on U.S. and international counterparts alike through the IVLP and other exchange programs. Marian, we will miss your steady leadership and partnership. Below, the Global Ties Network sends their warm wishes and congratulations:
Amy and Marian (center) at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting. Photo by Jena Mélançon
From the U.S. Department of State
Amy Carrdus, Program Specialist
Marian – Thank you for all the ways you’ve contributed to the IVLP and Global Ties Detroit over the years. I have so appreciated your enthusiasm for the program and your generosity in so warmly receiving participants and other guests. I am grateful for your steadfast partnership and will miss working with you, but wish you all the best for your next chapter!
Michael Hindi, Program Officer
Marian, I just want you to know that I have always gotten such great feedback after a group visits you in Detroit. They speak highly of Global Ties Detroit, you, your staff, and they come away with a great impression of Detroit. I have always felt confident that you know exactly what to do with each group that comes your way. Thank you for all the great work and thank you for your friendship. I look forward to seeing what else you accomplish afterward. Please keep in touch.
From the Global Ties Network
American Councils for International Education
Julia Wargo, Program Officer, Professional Exchanges
Marian, a short note to say how thankful I’ve been for your calm and proactive leadership, and how lucky I’ve been to get to work with you on IVLP, YSEALI, and other programs. My first experience in Detroit was through a study tour you designed, and it gave me such a positive impression of the city and its entrepreneurs. When we met in person for the first time at TechTown, you had such a bright smile for me too. I know so many of our participants have had the same experience of falling in love with Detroit through your hard work and thoughtful planning. Enjoy the upcoming and well-deserved adventures in Madrid!
American Councils for International Education IVLP team
Marian, the American Councils for International Education’s IVLP team extends its deepest appreciation for your 15 years of outstanding leadership and excellence in IVLP programming at Global Ties Detroit.
From projects focused on community development and interfaith relations to those highlighting the vital role of journalism, your leadership has helped make Global Ties Detroit’s IVLP work a source of inspiration through its strength, creativity, and impact.
Thank you for your many years of dedicated service and for the lasting contributions you have made to the IVLP community. We wish you all the very best as you embark on this next exciting chapter of your life!
From left: Courtney, Jena, and Marian at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting. Photo by Courtney Brooks
Courtney Brooks, Global Ties KC
Marian has been a rock in my professional and, over time, personal life for the past 14 years. What began as a conversation at a conference grew into something I never could have anticipated: the gift of a true confidant, peer, mentor, and friend. Through career milestones, challenges, big decisions, and all the life that happens alongside them, Marian has been someone I can turn to for honesty, perspective, encouragement, and laughter. I am deeply grateful for the bonds and relationships that have grown out of this network, and the friendships that last beyond the work!
Jena Mélançon, Gulf Coast Diplomacy
For more than two decades, Marian Reich has dedicated her professional life to international exchange, building relationships, strengthening communities, and making a lasting difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to work with her.
Marian began her journey at WorldChicago before becoming Executive Director of Global Ties Detroit in 2012. Under her leadership, the organization flourished. What began as a program welcoming approximately 150 international visitors annually grew to hosting 630 participants from 123 countries in 2024, engaging hundreds of local citizen diplomats and organizations along the way. She expanded opportunities for Detroiters to connect with the world through professional fellowships, youth exchanges, and outbound programs. The numbers are impressive, but they tell only part of Marian’s story.
Those of us who have worked alongside Marian know that her generosity extends well beyond Detroit. She has always understood that the Global Ties Network is strongest when we help one another succeed. During the pandemic, when international travel came to a halt, Global Ties Detroit and Gulf Coast Diplomacy joined forces to keep international exchange alive through virtual programming. That partnership grew into collaborations on TechGirls for the Western Hemisphere, Community Connections for Belarus, and SKY for Kazakhstan. Marian never hesitated to share her ideas, resources, contacts, or encouragement. She celebrated the successes of other organizations as readily as her own.
What I admire most about Marian is that, despite all she has accomplished, she has never lost sight of the people at the heart of our work. She has brought the world to Detroit, opened doors for her community, and built friendships that extend far beyond any single exchange program. She has also been a trusted colleague and a wonderful friend to so many of us across the Network.
As Marian prepares to retire after more than 20 years of service, she leaves Global Ties Detroit and the entire Global Ties Network stronger than she found them. Her professional accomplishments deserve our admiration, but it is her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others that I will remember most.
Marian, thank you for everything you have given to international exchange and to those of us who have had the privilege of working with you. Your retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but the friendships you have built and the difference you have made will endure. I wish you every happiness in this next chapter of your life.
Mark and Marian. Photo by Mark Rebstock
Mark Rebstock, Meridian International Center
I have had the privilege of knowing Marian Reich for more than 20 years, dating back to her time at WorldChicago. I was thrilled when she was selected to lead Global Ties Detroit, and she has exceeded every expectation. Under her leadership, the organization has grown tremendously in capacity, impact, and reputation. Just as importantly, Marian has led with warmth, integrity, and a genuine commitment to people. She is a respected leader, trusted colleague, and wonderful friend whose contributions to the exchange community will be felt for years to come. Congratulations, Marian, on an extraordinary career and I wish you every happiness in your next adventures.
Xinyu Wu, Ph.D., Michigan Council for Citizen Diplomacy
Dear Marian,
It is hard to put into words how much your friendship and leadership have meant over the past 14+ years at Global Ties Detroit. Your devotion to the IVLP Network and international exchange has touched so many lives at home and around the world, but working alongside you personally has been one of the absolute highlights of my career.
Collaborating on the U.S. Department of State’s Pakistan Higher Education Exchange Program was such a rewarding experience, but nothing quite compares to the unforgettable journey we shared through Pakistan’s Sindh province in February 2023. From navigating our busy travels to sharing countless laughs and stories along the way, that trip showed your true warmth, adventurous heart, and infectious joy for connecting with people.
Thank you, Marian, for being not just a brilliant colleague and champion for exchange, but a dear friend. Wishing you nothing but happiness, laughter, and incredible new adventures in this next chapter!
I’m sure that we’ll see you in Madrid or some other amazing places.
Marian (left) and Xinyu (right) in Pakistan. Photo by Xinyu Wu
Patricia Harrison, Ph.D., World Learning
Over the years of her career working on exchanges and nonprofit management, Marian has exemplified the values that I have most admired: ferocious productivity and dynamo energy combined with graciousness, enthusiasm, and kindness.
When Marian began as the CEO of Global Ties Detroit, I was still quite new in my job at World Learning, and I remember the excitement and confidence with which many people told me, “She’s amazing; you’ll have a great experience programming with her.” That was certainly what happened! Our staff at World Learning have worked with Marian on many IVLP and Community Connections projects, as well as several embassy projects and proposals, and what stands out most is Marian’s creative problem-solving and compassion combined with a terrific sense of humor. She brings energy, wisdom, and humor to every conversation, meeting, or project, and makes those around her feel like we’re engaged in worthy collaboration. And she has introduced us all to the rich resources of Detroit – including the wonders of Sanders Caramels!
On behalf of myself and my colleagues at World Learning: Thank you, Marian, for your spirit of collaboration and for being such a force for good. While we’ll miss you, we’re excited for you as you begin your next chapter.
WorldOregon
Amy Barss
Marian Reich’s dedication to the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other U.S. Government exchanges has profoundly enriched the lives of international visitors, strengthened the Detroit community, and fostered vital connections across the Global Ties Network.
Marian cultivated strong two-way relationships between the people of Detroit and international exchange participants. She led many Community Connections and Open World programs with purpose, fostering lasting community ties through continued conversations, including at least one successful reverse exchange.
She hosted a Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) national program Launch in Detroit for 250 international YLAI Fellows, along with U.S. Department of State and Global Ties Network Community-Based Member representatives, coordinating special experiences such as dine-around events for over 20 groups of 12–14 people in local restaurants.
Each year, she brought one of the largest—if not the largest—groups to the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting, including her Board Members. She is always a friendly face at gatherings and welcomes the chance to exchange ideas that make us all stronger.
Marian’s decade-plus tenure is a testament to her enduring dedication, and we have been incredibly fortunate to have her expertise and leadership as part of our Network. She consistently speaks with thoughtfulness, calmness, and logic in discussions regarding visitor exchange and organizational management, adding a vital perspective to our work and network.
Marian— While you will be missed, I wish you all the best in your next chapter.
Derrick Olsen
Marian, your kindness, experience, humor, and knowledge has helped so many of us in the Global Ties Network and we will miss you greatly. Wishing you the best in your new adventures!
Derrick (left) and Marian (right) at the Global Ties U.S. National Meeting. Photo by Jena Mélançon