Areas of Expertise:

• Economic Development and Job-Creation
• Automotive Industry Public Policy Issues
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Neighborhood Redevelopment
• Inter-governmental Relations

Academic:

• Juris Doctor, Michigan State University, 1985 (licensed to practice)
• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 1973
• Associate of Arts, Henry Ford Community College, 1971
• Specialized Training in Economic Development Finance, National Development Council; and Business Administration, Insead University, Fontainebleau, France

Employment

• State of Michigan, Executive Office, 2009-current (to12-31-10)
• Chrysler LLC, 1988-2008 (Director of State Relations)
• State of Michigan Department of Commerce, 1985-88, (Director of Auto & Steel Division)
• City of Dearborn, Michigan, 1977-83, (Deputy Mayor and Department Head)
• Dearborn Guide Newspapers, 1970-77, (Editor and Columnist)
• Times Herald Publications, 1967-70 (Writer and Editor)

Major Accomplishments:

• Managing business-related activities in Governor Granholm’s office, notably the state’s response to the auto crisis and bankruptcies, the environmental remediation trust and the Governor’s “Project Phoenix” (working with local communities in repurposing vacant auto facilities)
• Directed key aspects of site selection, government support and related activities for Chrysler in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arizona, Alabama, New York and Delaware
• Directed corporate engagement with thousands of pieces of legislation at state and local level, including safety, environmental, tax, health care, consumer relations and numerous other issues
• Selected to serve as Honorary Consul for the Federal Republic of Germany in the State of Michigan
• Engaged in numerous professional, civic, community and other organizations, in many cases serving in leadership roles
• Engaged in a wide network of public official organizations, including the business councils of the National Governors Association and U.S. Conference of Mayors
• Managed the state’s response to save some 2,000 jobs at McLouth Steel Co. by helping to restructure the company
• Worked closely with Chrysler, Ford and General Motors on new facility and plant expansion projects during tenure in the administration of former Gov. James Blanchard
• Organized more than 40 neighborhood associations and several business associations during  tenure as a city official
• Honored many times for community service and professional service, including the Leo Lerner Memorial Award for the Best Local Newspaper Column in America (1974)

Active Memberships and Involvement:

• Alliance of Automotive Manufacturers (AAM), Chair, State Affairs Committee (during Chrysler tenure)
• Automation Alley, Founding Member and President (2002-05)
• California Latino Legislative Caucus, Founder of Public Official Training Program and Board of Advisors
• Civitan International, Former Michigan Governor (1977)
• Davenport University, Emeritus Member, Board of Trustees
• Dearborn Facilities & Services for the Retarded, Past President (25 years)
• Detroit Economic Growth Corp. Board and Executive Committee, appointed by former Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr. (during Chrysler tenure)
• Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, Board of Directors (during Chrysler tenure)
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors (during Chrysler tenure)
• Michigan Democratic Party, extensive involvement dating back to 1964 at various levels, including national convention delegate, 1980
• Michigan Economic Development Corp. Board and Executive Committee, appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm (during Chrysler tenure)
•  Michigan Manufacturers Association, Chair, Government Affairs Committee (during Chrysler tenure)
• Oakland County Business Roundtable Economic Development Committee, appointed by County Executive L. Brooks Patterson (during Chrysler tenure)
• University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Arts, Science & Letters Advisory Board