Key Points

• BreAnna Lockhart, a lifelong Detroiter and Community Relations Representative for Marathon Petroleum, was honored with the Michigan Governor’s Service Award for her commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment.  
• Her journey from early involvement in local government and arts programs to AmeriCorps service has shaped her grassroots approach to strengthening Detroit neighborhoods. 
• Lockhart’s work has transformed connections between Marathon Petroleum and the community, inspiring colleagues and supporting Detroit’s next generation through mentorship, youth programs and volunteer efforts. 

---

Marathon Petroleum’s Community Relations Representative BreAnna Lockhart, a lifelong Detroiter, was recently honored with the Michigan Governor’s Service Award for her outstanding commitment to community engagement and youth empowerment. The Governor’s Service Awards have been given since 1994 to recognize people and organizations committed to volunteerism, service and philanthropy.  

“BreAnna’s passion for the city and her commitment to giving back are truly inspiring,” said Vice President of Marathon Petroleum’s Detroit refinery Leatha Hallmark. 

Lockhart’s journey is rooted in Detroit’s neighborhoods. As early as eighth grade, she became interested in government and even declared she wanted to be the mayor one day.  

“That interest led me down what seemed like a lot of random paths in high school and college,” said Lockhart. “Ultimately it all brought me closer to my community and the work I do.”  

In high school, Lockhart was part of The Sphinx Organization, which aims to transform lives through the power of the arts. Through Sphinx, Lockhart learned to play the piano, a skill that earned her a scholarship to Wayne State University in Detroit. She earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and piano performance and a master’s degree in public administration. 

She spent four years as an AmeriCorps member, organizing block clubs and neighborhood watches in some of the city’s most challenged areas.  

“I started interacting more with local government, going to city council meetings, which ultimately led me into volunteering and getting more engaged with my community,” Lockhart said.  

Lockhart’s leadership is evident in her work with youth programs, her mentorship of AmeriCorps members, and the development of innovative initiatives like Youth CompStat, which engaged local youth in data-driven crime prevention.  

Ramona Rodriguez-Washington, Program Director of AmeriCorps Urban Safety at Wayne State University, called Lockhart a changemaker.  

“BreAnna is sowing the seeds of community service,” said Rodriguez-Washington. “She started herself as a seed during her member service. Today, by connecting residents to resources that benefit their communities, she is now a tree sowing her own seeds. She is making a lasting impact.” 

“BreAnna has put in tireless hours working with the youth and engaging with the community to drive meaningful change.” 

In her role overseeing community relations for Marathon Petroleum’s Detroit refinery, her grassroots approach has helped transform the relationship between Marathon Petroleum and the community.  

“BreAnna has put in tireless hours working with the youth and engaging with the community to drive meaningful change,” said Hallmark. “She has been a fantastic representative of Marathon, leveraging our resources to support her efforts in creating positive change. One of the most significant aspects of BreAnna’s work has been her exceptional ability to build relationships within the community. This has opened so many doors for the Detroit refinery that were previously closed.” 

Lockhart’s influence extends inside the refinery gates as well, noted Marathon Petroleum Government Affairs David Blatnik, who also supports the refinery.  

“BreAnna has changed the way the community looks at the Detroit refinery; she has taken Marathon from the focus of the community to being part of the community,” said Blatnik. “Her endless push for the community has been contagious with Detroit refinery employees, growing the volunteer network throughout the facility. She’s made Marathon a model of how a community and business can work together.” 

Lockhart is grateful for all the opportunities she’s had in her life and continues to pay it forward, offering free music lessons and supporting youth development. 

“One of my most meaningful accomplishments is seeing a member of our Grow Detroit Young Talent program become the manager for the same nonprofit I worked for while in college,” said Lockhart. “The young woman didn’t know if she even wanted to go to college, and now she’s going to Wayne State University on a scholarship. I was able to pour into her how people poured into me when I was her age.”  

Lockhart’s servant leadership shows the impact one person can have when passion, purpose and partnership come together. Her work continues to inspire colleagues, community members and the next generation of leaders in Detroit and beyond. 

Her advice for others who want to make a difference is clear.  

“Listen to the community instead of prescribing the community,” said Lockhart. “Insert yourself into local government, your school systems or nonprofits that align with your interests. Let your passion guide how you volunteer, because that’s how you’ll show your best self.”