TEAM MEMBERS

A Collaborative & Diverse Group

DONNA MARIA THORNTON

Owner ~ CEO & President

Donna Maria Thornton is a Native Detroiter, a Graduate of Cass Technical High School and a Believer in God. She matriculated to Howard University where she majored in Psychology. Thornton – as she is often referred – eventually transferred to Michigan State University and graduated in 1991 with a major in Computer Graphic Art with a minor in Communications. Thornton’s love for learning and children motivated her towards a professional career in education leading her to earn an MAT – Master of Arts in Teaching with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Detroit Mercy. She furthered her studies and received a Specialist Degree in Psychology with an educational focus in Supervision and Administration. Thornton’s credentials earned her a 28-year career as an administrator and educator with Detroit Public Schools Community District.

Thornton is the proud mother of one son, and as a recent retiree, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family which has extended to include several of her former high school graduates. She travels extensively and looks forward to her next phase in life: ensuring quality assurance.

As the President of City Labs, LLC, Thornton is a fundamental part of what makes our laboratory ~ Accurate. Reliable. Efficient.

RACHEL "RAE" CHENNAULT

~ Director of Safety & Compliance

Rae Chennault is a native Detroiter and graduate of Cass Technical High School. Rae received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College. Ms. Chennault is an ASQ certified Quality Manager with a proven track record of success in developing and implementing successful quality management systems (QMS) for commercial production sites and Federal laboratories. She has led regulatory compliance activities from initial product qualifications through approval of new products. She has an in-depth knowledge of ISO standards, GMP, CLIA, OSHA Requirements, and Quality Systems regulations. Rae Chennault spent 17 plus years in quality management for a major medical device manufacturer. Additionally, she worked 13 years at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ultimately serving as the Quality Manager for the Division of Viral Diseases.

POWERS W. THORNTON, IV

~ Project Manager - UX Designer

Powers Thornton, IV was born and raised in the City of Detroit. He graduated from Cass Technical High School and matriculated to Michigan State University where he pursued a degree in Communication Media Arts and Information Science. Growing up in a digital world, combining technology and art became a driving factor for his anticipated career as a UX Developer. Powers also interns with B.A.S.I.C.S., a supply chain management company in the automotive industry.

Powers is frequent volunteer for several community service organizations such as Midnight Golf Program and Lionel Jordan/Tommy Longest Memorial Scholarship Award.

Powers formally worked for Apple Developer as an Intern Coordinator and the Detroit Police Department as Cadet Supervisor.

Powers' extra-curricular activities include reading, traveling abroad and spending quality time with family.

KYLE THORNTON, II

~ Marketing Coordinator

Kyle Thornton, II was born and raised Detroit, MI. He graduated from Cass Technical High School and matriculated to Eastern Michigan University where he pursued a degree in Business Management.

Kyle's desire to become an entrepreneur has been fueled by his eyewitness to an urban city revive itself. He views business not just as a vehicle for personal success, but as a powerful tool to bring jobs back into the city where he was raised. Kyle also interns with B.A.S.I.C.S., a supply chain management company in the automotive industry.

For fun, Kyle spends time reading. He also enjoys amusement parks and exploring new sites and locations.

MELISSA C. SCOTT

~ Director of Community Affairs

Melissa C. Scott is a veteran administrator for an urban school district in the state of Michigan. With 30 years of experience, she is now expanding her talents in emerging new markets.
Ms. Scott was selected as a Patricia Roberts Harris fellow due to her numerous academic accomplishments in college. This afforded her the opportunity to study public administration in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chili; this experience catapulted her choice to be a public-school educator.
While working in Detroit Public Schools Ms. Scott garnered multiple awards ~ the most prestigious being; WDIV Teacher of the Year and once she became an administrator, the Coleman A. Young Foundation’s Administrator of the year. She also secured partnerships with philanthropic organizations and boasts of winning a six million dollar grant to assist her school with “turnaround efforts”. MSNBC became aware of these efforts and featured her in a documentary about public education.
Scott's role as an educator/administrator has encompassed numerous positions that have created a well-balanced and prepared businesswoman. She has expertise in human resource management, budget development, contract negotiations, facility operations, human relations, data analysis, intervention and professional development/training.
Ms. Scott holds a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education from Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Southwest Missouri State University.