Election 2025

From i3Detroit
Jump to: navigation, search 
Voting has begun. Please contact the Secretary with any questions.


This Election

We have to fill 4 board seats, each carrying a 2 year term.

Key Dates/Timeline
  • Nomination Period: Until 8/19/2025 at 7:30pm. Please note: nominees will need to confirm their nomination before the voting period begins on August 20th.
  • Voting Period: 8/20/2025 at 12:01am until 9/2/2025 at 11:59pm
  • "Official" Election Date: 9/2/2025 at 7:30pm (during member's meeting). Voting will be allowed until 11:59pm that day.

How to nominate someone

Nominees for Board of Directors


Board nominee survey

All members are welcome to add any question they feel are relevant. Once nominees have confirmed their nomination, they are encouraged to answer the questions below. Nominees: if you log into your wiki account and press the "edit" next to "Board nominee survey," you will find a template and instructions in the comments.

How long have you been a member of i3?

Matt Arnold
Fourteen years. I joined in 2011, but spent a lot of time at the space before that.
Aj H
I've been a full member for about a year, though I first visited i3 in 2022.
Frank Aloia
Coming up on my third year this October
Thomas Buns
Over a year and a half. Came for EMPUG meeting- and stuck around :)
Daniel Vitenson
Coming up on a year and a half but was around prior.
Jan Henry
10 years!

Tell us about yourself and what qualities you have to be a board member

Matt Arnold
Other board directors have often liked that I kept the forward motion going. For example, I have a knack for summarizing the discussion as actual language we can vote on. I never call a halt to a process unless I also propose the next step toward overcoming the holdup. I try to add a time to my requests, such as "Please respond by one week from today." Wrapping up a discussion could be as simple as getting the majority of the Board on record saying that the Board will not take action on the discussion. It's not that we need to rush to the conclusion; we just need to focus on the next step, and ask for it within a specific timeframe. The Board is where most volunteer organizations stall most often. You need someone who keeps it moving.
As for myself, here's my website. I make laser-cut board games, costumes, marionettes, parade puppets, murals on large canvas, digital art, and website with static site generators. I live in Detroit near Hamtramck and Highland Park. I organized Penguicon for 20 years. I have gone to Lakes Of Fire (the Great Lakes regional Burning Man) eight times. I founded and run Fluidity Forum. I run an authentic relating and circling group in my living room. To me, these are all DIY communities like i3.
Frank Aloia
One of the key strengths I bring, and will continue to bring, to the board is the ability to approach challenges objectively and with fresh eyes, while ensuring that transparency with the membership remains a core tenet of board operations.
My professional background has equipped me to navigate complex organizational dynamics and identify the tools needed to move initiatives forward, even amid differing perspectives. I focus on finding common ground and building consensus to create a clear path ahead. I’m also well-versed in coordinating across diverse departments or "zones", in our case, each with its own goals and priorities. I understand how to align these efforts so they work in concert toward our shared, larger objectives.
Thomas Burns
I have a lot of personal motivation, my time in the Army taught me to create a plan, execute, and push on things until they are done. For a living I do IT/Networking/etc.- I'm not afraid to try new ideas and change my perspective as more data become available. My dedication to i3 is such that when the Events role what dropped, not handed off- I steeped up to take it over and have attempted to do right by i3 in the role. This has also meant that I have attended every board meeting for over the last year to give reports, when opportunity during those meetings or during members meetings I have always given my input when I thought it appropriate.
Daniel Vitenson
One of my biggest strengths is that I’m entrepreneurial and when I see areas for improvement, I take the initiative to address them even if the job isn’t the most glamorous. That’s how I ended up as i3’s Secretary (there was a very short line for the role!) because I saw it as important work, even if others were hesitant to take it on.
In my professional life, I work on projects that combine operations, planning, and financial problem-solving. I’ve built and managed budgets, evaluated major purchases, and worked on complex transactions - skills that can help us make smart decisions about things like equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and even the possibility of buying our building. I’ve been part of many board-level discussions about long-term strategy, and I also have hands-on makerspace experience from helping run a hardware startup accelerator affiliated with my school, Cornell. I think that mix of financial know-how, strategic thinking, and a willingness to roll up my sleeves could be a real asset to the board.
Jan Henry
I pay attention to details, listen to others, ask questions. I have 9 years of history as an i3 Board member to draw on. I am able to provide perspective on past conversations, point to where to find more, offer guidance. 8 years of planning the new sewing room, several multi-year personal projects and the extended expansion rollout has trained me pretty well in having patience and the focus necessary to stay with the game despite whatever is encountered as obstacle.
Aj H
I'm determined, like to be involved, and like to get things done. Perfect is the enemy of complete, and if you want to get things done in a group setting, momentum is important. I look for improvements everywhere and tend to take on work that isn't particularly enjoyable or glamorous, but is necessary (see: storage).
I've also done similar work at the NYU MakerSpace, where I was in charge of equipment and lead both trainings and classes. I really enjoyed being a resource to help people learn, keeping euqipment safe, and making sure the space was inviting, and I'd love to bring that mix of hands-on problem solving and collaboration to i3's Board.

What is i3 and what makes it great?

Matt Arnold
I answer the contact@ email and we frequently get requests for us to act as a job-shop or clearing house for commission inquiries. Here's what I always tell them: "We're a DIY in-person social community, but there would be not very much of a social community unless you do it yourself (DIY). That's why there's no one to act as a job-shop or clearing house for commission inquiries to our contact@ email, or our Facebook page, or other interactions that are not in-person. We don't connect people with others who they can pay to do something. We provide opportunities to get to know others who, if you become a part of the community, often eventually teach you how to do it yourself." That's the best description I've heard of, for what makes i3Detroit distinctive.
Aj H
i3 is a makerspace, a workshop, a non-profit, a community, and so much more. You can learn new skills, master existing ones, or teach others, you can work solo or with a group, you can come just to hang out. Sometimes there's pizza, sometimes there's a boat (multiple, if you count the ceiling boats).
i3 is what you make it, and we have something for everyone.
Frank Aloia
For me, it’s simple: it’s the people and the culture.
When I first joined i3 Detroit, my motivation — like many others — was access to equipment I didn’t have in my home shop, especially the CNC and laser cutters. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to add both of those capabilities to my own setup. Recently, while chatting with another member, they asked, “Why do you still pay to be a member here if you have that equipment at home?” The answer was easy: it’s the people.
i3 is filled with individuals who bring a wealth of unique knowledge to the space and are always willing to help you tackle something you’ve never done before. Even outside of our designated zones, there always seems to be someone ready to share their expertise — and that generosity enables all of us. Just this summer, I had an issue with my home AC system that would’ve cost at least $500 to fix professionally. I reached out to a member I knew had experience in that area, and they not only gave me the technical know-how to repair it myself, but also the confidence to take it on.
Thomas Burns
What makes i3 great? The people- we have many different people with many different perspectives- yet we all pretty much keep the peace. People are very tolerant of each other and we are a community. Another thing that makes it great is we build together, we party together, we chat together, we listen to each other, we debate with each other. The machines are great- the people are the heart, so often willing to be excellent and help when help is asked for- that's what makes i3 EXCELLENT
Daniel Vitenson
It lives up to its name – imagine, innovate, inspire – and that’s exactly what makes it great.
It’s a place where people bring their ideas to life, whether that’s building something from scratch, fixing what’s broken, or learning an entirely new skill. From literally my first day here, members have taken me under their wing: offering me a laser cutter class during my very first tour, teaching me how to work on cars, and inspiring me to tackle more of my own projects. But the real magic of i3 is the people: a community of makers, tinkerers, and problem-solvers who share knowledge, support each other, and spark creativity in so many ways. It’s a space where imagination has no ceiling, innovation is encouraged, and inspiration comes from every corner.
Jan Henry
It is a shop of tools but it wouldn't be much more than a storage unit of tools were it not for the community that runs it, so that is what makes it great. Everything that people do to run it is a gift -- their time, knowledge, some elbow grease. Motivated by their belief in the space and the collective community. It's pretty amazing when you realize it has survived beyond for-profit models that relied on paid staff and corporate sponsorships.

What projects have you worked on to improve i3?

Matt Arnold
In 2012, I ran a fundraiser which purchased one of our first big laser cutters, Bumblebee (the one which was replaced by Cyclops). I arranged the donation of our automated embroidering machine in 2015. I created the vinyl pop can decorations for the recycling bin, the sweep-up-after-yourself floor stencil, and the stencil for the “Where does this go?” box. Years ago I worked to re-vamp our storage shelf system. That was recently replaced by AJ's system, which is better. I have been on the contact@ emails for a long time, and I frequently field them. More recently, I put a lot of images on the Chromecast gallery that displays on some of the TVs in the space.
Aj H
I went through the Flammable Cabinets and cleaned them out, removing anything unusable or near-empty and taking it to be properly disposed of. I got all the non-flammable materials out of them, and put labels on everything left in the cabinets to make them easier to clean in the future. I also went through the paints and finishes on the shelves next to the cabinets and got rid of any that went bad. This freed up a lot of space both on the shelves and in the cabinets.
I have also been working on improving our storage options. I got the Storage Zone formally declared, re-did the labelling system on the member storage plots, and cleared out multiple plots that had been abandoned so active members would be able to use them. I am in the process of creating more active project storage in B-side mezzanine, and am working on storage options for workshop materials.
I also regularly attend and help with Sewing Zone build outs.
Frank Aloia
Over the past three years at i3 Detroit, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and contribute to several exciting and meaningful projects. One of the most impactful was stepping into the role of VP of Membership. When I first joined i3, the onboarding process for new members was slow and inconsistent. After completing my own Phase 1 and 2 in July, I spent nearly three months trying to get fully onboarded. So when the opportunity arose to get more involved in membership, I jumped at the challenge. I quickly learned the process and worked to clear the backlog, reducing the average wait time after completing a stage to just 3–4 days — a pace we’ve largely maintained since. However, the process was still vulnerable to gaps when I was unavailable due to travel or vacation. To address this, I rebuilt an active Membership Committee, which now includes three members who can reliably move new applicants through the onboarding pipeline.
In my role as VP of Membership, I also helped tackle a longstanding issue with our homegrown CRM system. The tool had become increasingly unstable, with periodic failures that blocked us from adding new members. Recognizing the urgency, I assembled a small team to evaluate commercial alternatives, assess costs, and plan a migration strategy. We ultimately selected and purchased a solution called Hello Club, which will eliminate the need for custom code fixes and introduce new functionality to enhance the member experience. We’re currently in the testing phase, with a full migration planned for later in 2025.
Beyond membership, I’ve also worked to improve the physical space. One major initiative was leading the proposal, build, and rollout of the AVID CNC system in the Woodshop. Thanks to leftover grant funds secured by another member, we were able to acquire a 5'×10' wood CNC system — a signature addition to the space. I researched the machine, consulted with members, presented to the membership, and wrote the proposal for board approval. After the system arrived in late October, I coordinated its assembly with a small team, learned safe operation procedures, and developed a training program. Since launching the program, I’ve led over 20 training sessions, guiding members through the three-step authorization process.
I’ve also contributed to other improvements around the space. I designed and, with help from other members, cut all the components needed to build large assembly tables for the Sewing Zone. I’ve participated in numerous potlucks to help activate and promote the space, and I secured a grant to purchase a new low-speed grinder for sharpening woodturning tools in the Woodshop.
Thomas Burns
I've helped or managed:
VP of Events- I have coordinated events for over year, scheduling, getting the word out, setting up event brite, briefing the membership at MM meetings, reporting to the board monthly.
The new CRM Project- I've been involved in its implementation.
Help with Mara troubleshooting the doors- I replaced the cabling for the A side wifi access point that helped resolve door/internet access issues.
Classroom- I stripped the paint off the door, helped repaint the class room
Woodshop: 1. Made wood working projects. 2. Helped with maintenance (Cleaning, dust collector)
Assisted the VP of membership- Last year the VP of membership asked for assistance-I stepped up and he trainied me and I have onboarded many people when he was out of town or otherwise busy from work. Its been a team effort for some time.
Cooking, maintenance is a project in itself :):)
Robot Combat (Cooking breakfast for everyone)
Potluck- (Cooking food for people to eat while they worked on other tasks)
Halloween party (helping where needed + cooking)
I've tried to help out where ever and when ever needed.
And much, much more for the increasable low price of $3.99
Daniel Vitenson
As i3’s Secretary, I’ve actively carried out the duties of the role, including attending almost every board and member meeting to take notes, giving proper notice of meetings, and managing this election. Beyond these duties, I’ve taken the initiative to get involved in shaping policy to strengthen the organization. I’ve helped members draft proposals to ensure they’re consistent with our rules and ready for a membership vote, including updates to the storage policy and changes to member meeting times. I also helped start conversations around improvements to our alcohol policy, which passed by an overwhelming majority, and I’m continuing to build on the conduct committee proposal to create a fair, structured process for handling member conduct.
Jan Henry
  • Made curtains with custom i3 fabric for the "old craft room",
  • chalk paint update to "old craft room" floor project,
  • "steampunk and sparkle" purple bathroom project including fabric window shade,
  • hallway "i3" door,
  • bathroom cleaning, and
  • a "little" project referred to as The Expansion builds -- coordinating help and including planning the new sewing room and contributing to its build. The sewing room has been 8 years in the making!
  • I am doing some ongoing video work of our space projects for our YouTube channel and
  • I help with the social media posts and help members join our social media -- despite the sites sometimes not wanting to play nice with access invites. But I try!

Why are you interested in being a board member?

Matt Arnold
In order to finally crush the Amazing Spider Man. I tried to get my friend Peter Parker to help me but he's acting weird around me lately. No actually, I'd like to keep people from burning out, and I can do it without burning out.
Frank Aloia
To continue to help move the organization forward along our path of reaching more people and enabling them to reach out to try new things to make their ideas a reality.
Thomas Burns
MONEY! POWER! FAME!!!. Actually is about learning new things, serving the community, I'm already at all the board meeting to report events and it would help insure that quorum could be met. I've talked to many people at i3, and though I don't always agree with them, I consider there input.
Daniel Vitenson
Serving as Secretary has given me a front-row seat to how the board operates, the challenges we face, and how our rules and bylaws work in practice. I’d like to build on that momentum and contribute more directly!
Aj H
I've been sitting in on our board meetings for the last few months, and I'd like to contribute more actively. I've had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with a lot more people since taking on Storage, and it's given me a lot of insight towards needs people have that aren't being met, and things that are / aren't working with how i3 currently operates. Being on the Board would help me address these challenges more directly and improve things for everyone.
Jan Henry
I like to be involved on a deeper level in organizations. Planning, asking questions, and sharing the information. When I accepted the nomination almost a decade ago, it was to help guide it into the future. In that time, we thought about expanding, started expanding, and as we approach finishing the expansion, what comes next? Not only can I lend my voice and ideas to the discussion, I have also been humbled by members' choice in me in the prior years, to be someone trusted to help lead the organization and I take that trust seriously. Involvement on the Board means I'm listening to concerns and bringing them to Board discussions.

What is the biggest issue at i3 that you hope to address in the next year, whether you serve on the board or not?

Aj H
Usage of space, storage, and resources. I'm already actively working on member and active project storage, but this connects to a broader issue: making sure i3 is usable and welcoming for everyone. When things are cluttered or hard to find, it limits who can comfortably use the space, especially new members.
In the next year, I aim to continue improving storage, whether it's part of the 'Storage Zone' or not, and to collaborate with Zone Coordinators to help each zone organize in ways that fit their needs. That could mean helping clear abandoned items, standardizing labeling, or even just updating documentation so members know what to expect.
At the board level, this ties into supporting accessibility, safety, and member experience, making sure our space reflects our values as a community workshop and not just a warehouse. i3 has a lot of stuff, and that's part of what makes it great -- but we also have limited space to work with, so how we use the space we have can make a huge difference. I want us to have as much functional space as possible.
Matt Arnold
I would like to move forward with two initiatives (or get them far enough along that we conclude that we don't want them). The first is the code of conduct committee. The second is having confidentiality standards, which currently only exist informally. Here's the Google Doc with the latest language and a lot of discussion.
Frank Aloia
I’d love to see us continue investing in our space by expanding the tools available to members. One area I’m especially excited about is enhancing our capabilities in the Laser Zone through the acquisition of a MOPA fiber laser.
For those unfamiliar, both of our current lasers are CO₂-based units. They’re excellent for engraving and cutting materials like wood, acrylic, and rubber—but they’re generally not suited for working with metal. While Cyclops can theoretically cut very thin sheet metal, it’s not practical in real-world use. A fiber laser, on the other hand, opens up a whole new range of possibilities—especially with metal. It can mark the surface or engrave deeper to create relief cuts. With the right settings, it can even produce coins by using height maps to selectively remove material, resulting in a 3D carved effect. MOPA-type fiber lasers go a step further by allowing multicolor surface markings through controlled discoloration of metal.
This would be a game-changing capability for our members—something we simply can’t offer today. And I’d love to follow it up with a UV fiber laser, which uses a “cold” laser process ideal for engraving glass and a wide variety of plastics with precision and minimal thermal impact.
Thomas Burns
I would like to see more classes (or any classes) for all zones. Part of our mission is to do classes- "We are committed to providing a safe space to work, learn, and play". whether I'm on the board or not- I'll continue to support i3 to the best of my ability.
Daniel Vitenson
There are two major issues I’ve observed at i3: the lack of formal policy, and a board that’s often pulled into matters it shouldn’t be handling. When i3 was smaller and more tight-knit, our informal approach may have worked. But with over 200 members and a growing public presence, some of our current policies simply don’t work for a larger organization. This doesn’t mean we should formalize everything, but we can strengthen our community by proactively addressing gaps and reducing ambiguity, especially the kind that leads to misunderstandings or inconsistent enforcement.
That ambiguity often forces the board to step in on operational or disciplinary matters, taking time away from bigger priorities. We have important facility issues (like roof leaks and a semi-broken AC) as well as operational challenges like absent zone coordinators. Yet, I’ve seen first-hand valuable board meeting time consumed with parking disputes, equipment misuse, and other issues that could be better handled elsewhere. Worse, when the board makes disciplinary decisions behind closed doors, it can unintentionally strain relationships with members.
That’s why I’m committed to completing the conduct committee proposal with Rules & Stuff Working Group whether or not I’m elected (thanks to Matt and Mara for also doing so much!). This would allow members to help manage member conduct directly, free up the board to focus on high-level priorities, and create a fair, transparent process for all.
Jan Henry
I've been asked "how can we get this tool for i3?" "how do I apply for a grant?" and I've been witness to multiple discussions over the years, as a board member and within member discussions, of owning our own space. Yet our fundraising committee hasn't met in quite a while and it doesn't officially have any members active in it. We need to change that, and whether or not I am on the Board this term, I intend to push the committee out into the light. Maybe by starting it at one of the new "second member meeting" we've added. If members want to work on policy and make decisions at meetings and discuss important stuff, to empower ourselves, then it makes sense to use those times to further our fundraising committee efforts. We can look to Pumping Station 1 for inspo. They're raising right now to buy the building they're in.

We're also working on a code of conduct committee that would be a committee of the Board which after several years, is coming into reality. Having a committee and a code of conduct puts the power in members' hands to manage conduct issues and returns the focus of the Board to business issues and future planning.This is similar to how other related organizations structure conduct and business. Daniel is working on this renewed push of the committee concept and a few of us have been giving input, and others are welcome!

What are your long-term (5+ years) goals for i3?

Aj H
Have a complete and functioning storage system for members, SIGs, and workshops- Kidding, that's a 'right now' goal.
5 years... On a personal basis, I want to get involved with every Zone on some level -- Ideally, I'd like to attend a workshop in each Zone. I know not every Zone has been holding workshops lately, so encouraging more workshops may be in my future.
On a community basis, I'd love to help build up our members who have small businesses and sell what they make. I know i3 hasn't tabled at an event in years, but I think it'd be really cool if we could do a 'team table' or something similar, and work together to promote both i3 and our makers. Or maybe we could do an open house, or something adjacent to an art show. It's an in-progress idea.
Matt Arnold
This whole thing would not exist were it not for having a wonderful landlord. There's no reason to believe he will sell the building, but no reason to believe he won't either. I'd like the situation to be more secure. There may or may not be feasible solutions. But I'll say more about that elsewhere at another time.
Frank Aloia
There are a few key goals I’d love to see i3 Detroit accomplish over the next five years. First, I’d like us to elevate our reputation—both locally and within the broader makerspace community—through deeper community engagement. Imagine initiatives like building dog houses for rescue organizations that struggle to convince some people to bring pets indoors or provide proper shelter during winter, or designing smart hydroponic systems to help low-income families grow their own vegetables. Projects like these not only serve those in need but also draw more people to our space and mission.
Second, I’d like us to better secure our long-term future by establishing more permanent roots. We've made excellent use of our current location, and the ongoing expansion—like the nearly completed Sewing Zone and the upcoming eLab—is a testament to our growth. Plans to build out the Media Zone and other areas are exciting, but they come with risks. We currently lease the building, and while our landlord has been supportive, the possibility of rent increases or even the sale of the property to someone else is very real. Additionally, i3 bears responsibility for most ongoing maintenance, including major repairs like the roof.
That’s why I’d love to see us develop a plan to purchase the building. Owning the space would ensure that any money we invest in repairs or improvements directly benefits us—and protects us from the disruption of being forced to relocate.
Thomas Burns
I would like to see the following happen: Regular classes for each zone- they are random or ad-hoc. There are zones that have not had classes officially scheduled for over year. Like Frank's point- I would like to see us more out there and in the metro community- one way to get people to come to the space or connect with us virtually are classes and events. Come for the classes, stay for the community. i3 has made great progress with sewing and elab, this has shown what we can do together. I would like to see us continue to evolve the space over the next 5 years and if possible double the membership. Things get more exciting when our population grows- it also gives an opportunity for people to learn from each other.
Daniel Vitenson
In the long run, I’d like to see i3 continue to grow in numbers and in capability. That means finding effective ways to improve our facility, upgrading and adding new equipment, and refining our zone governance so there’s more accountability and smoother operations. I’d also love to see membership grow, bringing in more people with diverse skills and ideas to keep the community vibrant. Long term, I think it’s also important to improve our security as an organization - ideally by finding a way to purchase our building so we’re not at the mercy of changing landlords and to ensure we get the full return on the capital improvements we've invested in (and will continue to invest in).
But my dream goal? Even more space.. since no matter how big we get, we’ll always find a way to fill it with tools and projects!
Jan Henry
Building on my answer from the prior question, we as a community do want to secure our future a bit better by owning our space. That has been a common discussion for at least 10 years, that I've been around and calls for it have increased recently with interested, invested members who want a secure future. Agreed! The retirement of our landlord should mean that we aim to have that conversation with him, about our future. We have a couple of years left on our lease... but we should fundraise like we intend to buy a building so that we're ready. I think it should be this building... we know it, and can make the necessary improvements. Moving would also be far more involved than the one from Royal Oak to here. Unless staying isn't an option, we should look to own the building, maybe by contract. We could check into some eco grants that would support insulating the shop, leading to reduced heat loss and lower temp in the summer.

I'd also like to see us leading as maker host, partnering with other makerspaces, a renewed Maker Faire in tandem with a venue that can support it. First though we need to be beyond the Expansion builds and moves so we have the energy to share with an event like that.

Are you comfortable committing to a 2-year term?

Matt Arnold
Completely. I have done so in my two previous terms. If, for some unexpected and unlikely reason, I was no longer able to be present for meetings or responsive to Board communications for a month or more, I would resign to avoid holding up our operations.
Aj H
Yes!
Frank Aloia
Yes, I'm fully on board to commit for another two year term if the membership sees fit to have me continue as a member of the board.
Thomas Burns
SGT Burns will take the hill
Daniel Vitenson
Without a doubt! And after seeing the challenges caused by an absent board member this year, I’ll also commit to stepping down if I can’t be fully present. i3 deserves a strong, active board, and I'd like to be part of that.
Jan Henry
Yes. I have served on the Board since 2016. I don't anticipate it but if there comes a reason that I can't fulfill involvement, I have no issue with stepping back so a timely replacement can be found.



Retrieved from "https://www.i3detroit.org/wi/index.php?title=Election_2025&oldid=33878"