On Thursday, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced his recommendation of Jeff Mason to lead the Michigan Economic Development Corporation following Steve Arwood's departure.
Mason is currently the executive director of Michigan's University Research Corridor. The MEDC Executive Committee will meet July 11 to consider the Governor's recommendation.
"Jeff has a long history of commitment and dedication to improving Michigan's economy and growing jobs from his previous time at MEDC to the past eight years with the University Research Corridor," Snyder said. "He also has a background with the tourism industry, which will help continue to drive the successful Pure Michigan campaign to new heights. He's a natural choice to continue the great work being done by the MEDC team in marketing our state to attract new business and help our existing companies grow to add more jobs."
The MEDC CEO is charged with implementing and executing MEDC's core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and improving Michigan's image and brand.
Mason has been the lead at URC since 2009. Prior to that, he was a senior vice president and chief business development officer at MEDC from 2007-2009.
Altogether, Mason was with MEDC from 1999-2009 in various business development positions; and served as the managing director of Travel Michigan from 1990-1999. Previously, he served in various positions in the former Michigan Department of Commerce. Mason has a BA from the School of Business at Michigan State University.
"The progress made over the past seven years to improve our state business climate is paying off," Mason said. "We are a more competitive and attractive state to companies looking to invest, but there is still more work to be done. MEDC's community development programs are stronger than ever, and our connection into the talent pipeline efforts continues to grow. I'm honored to be recommended by Governor Snyder and excited about potentially joining the MEDC team to work with local partners, pushing forward with more success for our state and residents."
Doug Rothwell, chairman of the MEDC Executive Committee, agreed that Mason would be a good candidate for the committee to consider.
"We appreciate receiving such a strong nomination from the Governor," Rothwell said. "I've worked with Jeff for over 20 years. He has the leadership, integrity, knowledge and relationships that make him an excellent candidate."
Published: Fri, Jun 23, 2017
