“We’re excited to welcome Mike Tudor to our leadership team,” said Derreck Hughes, Vice President of Operations. “Mike brings deep experience in operations, team development, and community engagement. With Block by Block’s roots in Louisville, we see the city as a testing ground for innovation — and with Mike’s leadership, we’re confident those innovations will ripple across the regions he oversees.” 

Tudor brings decades of experience in public service and leadership. His career began humbly as a valet and progressed steadily, ultimately leading to his role as Executive Director of the Parking Authority of River City, Inc. (PARC). His journey is a testament to his work ethic, resilience, and lifelong commitment to serving the community. 

“I was raised to serve others and give back,” said Tudor. “Whether through my career, community involvement, or my local church, I’ve always found purpose in service. This role allows me to support the transformation of downtown communities in a meaningful way.” 

Known for his people-first leadership approach, Tudor emphasizes communication, trust-building, and collaboration.  

“Leadership isn’t about giving orders — it’s about bringing people together, aligning on goals, and moving forward as a team,” he added. 

Block by Block has been a trusted partner in downtown management since launching its first program in Louisville, KY in 1995. Today, the company operates in over 180 locations across the U.S., providing clean, safe, hospitality, and outreach services for improvement districts, parks, transit systems, campuses, and other public spaces. With a model grounded in research, best practices, and modern technology, Block by Block continues to evolve in how it serves communities. 

For more information, visit www.blockbyblock.com. 

Eric was previously the President & CEO of the Midtown Community Benefits District in Baltimore, where he led efforts to strengthen relationships across government, private, and nonprofit sections to support vibrant, inclusive communities. His leadership secured millions in funding for operational and capital programs, implemented strategic workforce initiatives, and advanced policies that ensured Midtown’s long-term sustainability. Prior to his role at Midtown, Eric served as the Director of Operations for the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and was Regional Vice President for Block by Block. 

Souza’s career in public space management began more than 16 years ago with Block by Block, as an Operations Manager. “My desire to work for the company was driven by a deep belief that well-maintained, welcoming, and inclusive environments are essential to thriving communities,” he said. “At their best, public spaces are where economic opportunity meets community identity. When managed with intention and equity, they’re not just gathering places, they’re powerful tools for social and economic progress.” 

Vice President of Operations Derreck Hughes said Block by Block was excited for Souza’s return to the company. “Eric’s deep place management expertise and leadership experience will be instrumental in advancing our customers’ operational goals and providing high-level support for our teams across the Mid-Atlantic. We’re excited to see him blend his past experiences—both with our company and in the broader place management community—into new strategies that will drive the future success of our business,” Hughes said. 

A longtime resident of Baltimore, Souza said he has witnessed “real transformation in Baltimore’s public spaces, one rooted in collaboration, equity, and a growing recognition that vibrant public spaces are critical to a city’s health and prosperity.” He is excited to play a part in Block by Block’s mission of making public spaces more vibrant and welcoming for communities. 

“As we move into the future, I believe we can continue to enhance our impact for clients by creating meaningful change through public space enhancements, economic development, and strategic partnerships. I look forward to being a leader within the organization as we strengthen our platform as the premier service provider in public space management nationwide,” he said. 

Block by Block has a robust history working in downtowns since their first program launched in Louisville, KY in 1995. More than strictly a clean and safe service provider, Block by Block has developed an optimized operating model built on best practices, research and development and modern technology that has attracted partners in more than 180 locations nationwide, including improvement districts, parks, college campuses, transit systems and other public spaces.  

For more information about Block by Block, visit https://www.blockbyblock.com/  

Originally posted by people.com

An unexpected guest made a couple’s wedding day all the more special.

Ashley and Andrew Powell surprised an intimate group of friends and family by hosting a wedding outside on Nov. 16, 2024, in Fells Point, a waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore. The couple privately married a year prior and later wanted to publicly exchange vows in the place where they first expressed their love for one another. What the pair never expected was a park guide to witness their entire ceremony from afar.

“It was so intimate, joyful and emotional — surrounded by so much love. This sweet park employee made the entire celebration even better,” the bride’s best friend, Alexa Sorensen, tells PEOPLE. “We noticed her shortly after the ceremony began, and she stayed for the entire thing.”

As seen in a video taken by Sorensen and recently posted on TikTok, a woman wearing a lime safety jacket happened to stumble upon the wedding. The stranger, whose name is unknown, stopped just a few feet away from the bride, groom and their officiant, and stayed to watch the entire ceremony.

The guide became emotional and even shed a few tears. At one point, she rested her hand on her heart.

“As a wedding photographer myself, I am always noticing little moments of human connection, and this one could not be missed,” Sorensen shares. “We were all so moved by her sweet reaction — for a couple she didn’t even know!

Read more on people.com.