Lansing, MI -January 20, 2015 – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee today appointed MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Arwood as MEDC CEO, effective immediately. He replaces Michael A. Finney, who was named Gov. Rick Snyder’s Senior Advisor for Economic Growth in December.
Following Arwood’s appointment as MEDC CEO, Snyder named Arwood President and Chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund.
As CEO, Arwood 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. His responsibilities will include administering all programs, funds, personnel, contracts and all other administrative functions of MEDC.
Arwood has also been named director of the newly-created Talent and Economic Development Department, announced by Snyder in December. The new department was created to ensure that the state can efficiently and effectively develop, administer and coordinate Michigan’s economic, housing, and talent development initiatives and programs.
Prior to joining MEDC last August, Arwood served as chief regulatory officer and director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs where he led reforms of the state’s regulatory and licensing environment. Under his leadership, more than 1,500 unnecessary and duplicative regulations were eliminated across state government. He previously served as LARA deputy director overseeing the Unemployment Insurance Agency and Employment Security and Workplace Safety, which includes MIOSHA, Employment Relations and Workers’ Compensation.
He joined LARA in 2011 from Windlab Developments, USA, LTD, where he served as U.S. regional director. He has worked in wind energy development, conservation, and business development since 1999. He previously served as deputy director and other executive management positions at the Michigan Jobs Commission under Governor John Engler. He has also served as director for the House of Representatives Programs and Policy, and the National Federation for Independent Business-Michigan.
Arwood is a graduate of the James Madison College at Michigan State University
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