People tend to throw around the word “changemaker” a lot these days, but there are few terms more accurate to describe Chase L. Cantrell. A born and bred Detroiter, Chase has dedicated his career to serving the community he calls home.

We had the chance to catch up with Chase and talk about his time at Dykema, his current role as Executive Director of Building Community Value (BCV), and his aspirations for shaping the future of his city.

Mike Derksen has built a career rooted in clarity—first as a litigator, now as Deputy General Counsel at Daifuku North America, where he handles everything from high-stakes negotiations to complex internal counsel work. He’s also the co-founder of Detroit City Distillery and the frontman of a long-running rock band. In this Q&A, Mike reflects on how precision, trust, and creative collaboration have shaped every chapter of his path.

Wendy Cox has built a career on adaptability—moving from litigation to trust and estates, then into banking and wealth management. Now the Director of Personal Trust and Chief Fiduciary Officer at Greenleaf Trust, she leads with humor, strategic thinking, and an unshakable sense of purpose. She shares the defining moments that shaped her journey, from courtroom battles over family heirlooms to navigating a major national expansion.

Meet Jason Ross, Dykema alum turned Counsel in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA's) Enforcement Division who is driving change in the financial industry and making a difference. Joined by his former Dykema colleague, Chris Kratovil, Jason shares insights, anecdotes, and valuable career advice that are engaging and enlightening. From regulatory enforcement to Peloton meet-ups, Jason’s story is a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the workspace and highlights why it’s worthwhile to stay connected.

People tend to throw around the word “changemaker” a lot these days, but there are few terms more accurate to describe Chase L. Cantrell. A born and bred Detroiter, Chase has dedicated his career to serving the community he calls home.

We had the chance to catch up with Chase and talk about his time at Dykema, his current role as Executive Director of Building Community Value (BCV), and his aspirations for shaping the future of his city.