Prior to joining Oakland County Annaka spent many years in planning consulting, traveling across the United States working with downtowns resulting in in-depth knowledge of project management models and methodologies. Additionally, she has several years of management experience.  She has a strong record of accomplishments guiding cross-functional project teams in the design and implementation of urban planning and Main Street initiatives. Annaka has extensive experience overseeing projects, planning and management of teams throughout all stages of the process. She is a proven leader and skilled communicator, with the ability to establish solid relationships with clients and build consensus across multiple organizational levels.

Since joining the Oakland County Planning team in 2018 she has been working closely with the Main Street Oakland County program. There she works directly with downtowns and is the county liaison several communities. In working with these communities, she has been able to develop strong relationships with Downtown Managers, city staff, elected officials, chambers and business owners. These relationships help promote the county programs while providing an understanding of what additional incentives and programs are needed to assist the businesses within each community. She is passionate about making downtowns successful and working with all types of Downtowns and Commercial Districts.