PRIMA CIVITAS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Executive Director of the Jackson Anchor Initiative

Job Titles:

• Senior Consultant, Municipal & Organizational Services

Job Titles:

• Senior Vice President, and Director of Regional Initiatives

Attorney James Smiertka is Senior Vice President, and Director of Regional Initiatives for Prima Civitas. Jim has practiced law in both the private and public sectors for more than thirty years. He oversees legal matters and engages as a principal in economic development projects.

Job Titles:

• Director, Michigan Economic Center

Job Titles:

• Senior Consultant, Municipal & Organizational Services

He was elected to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners and spent four years in county government, chairing the Board in 1983 and 1984. He left the Board of County Commissioners to work for the Michigan Association of Counties, representing the public policy interests of all 83 counties in Michigan. Michael has also worked in Flint Mayor Matt Collier's administration as Director of Intergovernmental Relations, and Director of Community and Economic Development. Michael left local government in 1991 to work in the non-profit sector for 17 years. He presided over the Red Cross in Genesee and Lapeer Counties and was President of the United Way of Genesee County in Flint and the Capital Area United Way in Lansing, Michigan. In addition he has served as the Executive Vice President at the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. Michael returned to local government to become acting Mayor of Flint in February 2009, upon the resignation of the serving Mayor. He held the position for six months until the election of a new mayor in August 2009. In September 2009, Brown established the Flint Area Reinvestment Office (FARO), to provide technical assistance to public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The primary focus of FARO is to seek grants and utilize federal and state funding for Flint area initiatives. FARO is supported with funds from Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, and the United Way of Genesee County. Michael was later tapped by Governor Snyder to lead the City of Flint as Emergency Manager, to set Flint on a course of long term financial solvency. He and his wife Linda have been married 40 years. They are parents to five children, who were educated in the Flint Community Schools, and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Job Titles:

• President of Mott Community College

Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea became the seventh president of Mott Community College in August 2014. She is the first female and first African American president in the college's history.

Job Titles:

• CEO of EXtension

Dr. Christine Geith is CEO of eXtension, the digital arm of the national Cooperative Extension System, the largest informal learning network in the United States. Previous to her appointment there, she was Assistant Provost and Executive Director, MSU Global Knowledge and Learning Innovations, Michigan State University. There she lead the development of new entrepreneurial approaches in higher education using technology, online learning and open models. She worked with faculty to open up critical knowledge to help transform global food systems and agriculture. She lead teams using a comprehensive approach to planning, instructional development, and program evaluation and administration. Dr. Geith has experience in research, teaching, small business, internet startups, online and adult education, peer learning and open educational resources. She is an advisor to several educational software startups, has served on for-profit boards, and has held leadership roles on higher education association boards. She holds a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BS in Design from the State University College at Buffalo.

Job Titles:

• Executive Director
• Executive Vice Chair of the American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee
• Fay / Executive Director
• Visionary Leader

In 2002, Ms. Beydoun expanded her circle of activities to enhance the relationships between the United States and the Middle East. She became vice president of the U.S.-Arabic Economic Forum, an organization that facilitates economic collaboration, cultural dialogue, and innovation between the United States and the Middle East. The Forum attracts more than 1,000 participants from 35 countries including top Fortune 500 executives and more than 150 global leaders, in the fields of government, business, technology, academics and policy. It fosters powerful opportunities for American and Arab leaders to reinforce existing partnerships and forge new alliances and collaborations between the two regions. Ms. Beydoun also serves as the Executive Vice Chair of the American Middle East Economic Affairs Committee, which works to further economic relations between the United States and the Arab World. It has initiated projects such as the U.S. Arab Economic Forum, the Mayors Council, U.S. Arab Women's Business Council, The U.S. Arab Leadership Program, and more recently the TEJARA Center (a minority business development center) located in Michigan focusing on immigrant entrepreneurs and exporting. Since joining the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Beydoun has reached out to various business, governmental, and academic organizations to facilitate the growth of the Arab- American businesses and the community at large. The American Arab Chamber of Commerce is the largest Arab-American business organization in the United States, delivering services and counsel under Ms. Beydoun's leadership to more than 1,500 companies, ranging from small businesses to multinational corporations and executive professionals. The Chamber is also the main business and trade link between the United States and the Middle East, with a current goal of making Michigan a hub of trade for the MENA region. Ms. Beydoun is a firm believer in empowering entrepreneurs and the greater minority business communities. Growing up in Dearborn, as an immigrant and a daughter of an immigrant family, she has mobilized and directed thousands of volunteers for various causes, social, political and economic, as part of her strong believe in giving back to her community. She cofounded the US Arab Women's Business Council, is a member of various MENA region chambers of commerce and serves on various Boards, including: New Detroit, Detroit Strategic Framework Plan, Michigan Council for Arts and Culture Affairs, ACLU Advisory Board, WXYZ Media and Community Stakeholder, Global Detroit Advisory board.

Job Titles:

• Retired

Ginny Haas retired from Michigan State University in October, 2014 after working for the university for 20 years. For the last 15 years, she served as the Director of Community Relations at MSU. In that role she was responsible for connecting the university, community leaders, and the Lansing region on initiatives that advanced mutual interests. Ginny worked extensively with municipal, business, and economic development leaders throughout the region on a variety of projects, including bringing a new Amtrak station to the Lansing area, and developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to bridge gaps between international students at MSU and the local community. Prior to this, she worked to develop the first-ever advocacy program allowing MSU alumni to assist with advocacy with state and federal officials. Prior to joining MSU, Ginny served on the staff of US Senator Donald W. Riegle, Jr., for more than 15 years, until his retirement from the US Senate in 1994. Her final role was as State Director, supervising a staff of 31 employees who worked to serve the citizens of Michigan. Ginny graduated from Drew University in Madison, NJ with a BA in Political Science.

Job Titles:

• Finance Manager

Prior to her position with Prima Civitas, Janet worked as the chief financial officer for the Capital Area United Way. During that time, she served on the Grant Awards Committee for the Capital Region Community Foundation. In addition to her experience in the nonprofit arena, Janet spent more than 10 years working as the firm administrator and controller for a CPA firm based in Flint. Janet has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Association of CPAs. She has been active in the Exchange Club of Flint, the Kiwanis Club of Flint, and the United Way of Genesee County.

Job Titles:

• MSU Director of Community Relations, Retired

Job Titles:

• Secretary

Allan Hooper is the Executive Director of the Jackson Anchor Initiative, an effort of larger fixed location businesses and institutions (anchors) to make downtown Jackson, Michigan a more vibrant downtown for attracting and retaining the young talented workers needed in the new economy. It is a joint effort of the anchors, the City of Jackson, and other organizations seeking to have a better downtown experience in the community. Previous to that, Allan was Economic Development Manager for Consumers Energy, a large electric and natural gas utility serving much of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. He has 25+ years of experience, and has developed, managed and implemented a broad range of strategies including domestic and international business attraction programs, export assistance programs, place-based marketing concepts and international regional economic development projects in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. In 2001 he began studying the economic development challenges of smaller communities in the United States and became involved as a board member of Rural Partners of Michigan, a nonprofit council whose members, individually or through their organizations, have a common interest in issues facing rural communities. In 2005, Allan led a strategic shift in Consumers Energy's proactive economic development focus to supporting smaller communities. These communities represent about 40% of the company's customer base and are the ones typically in most need of economic development assistance. Concurrent with this change, Allan became responsible for an annual Michigan Small Town and Rural Development conference hosted by Rural Partners of Michigan. Previous to that, Allan was Economic Development Manager for Consumers Energy, a large electric and natural gas utility serving much of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. He has 25+ years of experience, and has developed, managed and implemented a broad range of strategies including domestic and international business attraction programs, export assistance programs, place-based marketing concepts and international regional economic development projects in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela. In 2001 he began studying the economic development challenges of smaller communities in the United States and became involved as a board member of Rural Partners of Michigan, a nonprofit council whose members, individually or through their organizations, have a common interest in issues facing rural communities. In 2005, Allan led a strategic shift in Consumers Energy's proactive economic development focus to supporting smaller communities. These communities represent about 40% of the company's customer base and are the ones typically in most need of economic development assistance. Concurrent with this change, Allan became responsible for an annual Michigan Small Town and Rural Development conference hosted by Rural Partners of Michigan. In 2007, Allan was elected chairman of Rural Partners of Michigan and in 2008 he was appointed to the board of Partners for Rural America, the national level organization focused on rural issues. Allan's work focuses on grassroots economic development, recognizing that trends have changed our small towns. Manufacturing is locating elsewhere, there are fewer job prospects and smaller communities are losing key segments of their populations, particularly younger adults. Yet despite these challenges, small towns and rural areas are attractive and some are responding with a new approach to economic development. They are focusing on creating livelihoods rather than just hoping to attract jobs and finding ways to make their communities unique, interesting and inviting as places to live and work. Allan has written articles on growing communities from within and is the editor of the book, 101+ Quips, Quotes and Concepts for Sustainable Small Town Development, published for Rural Partners of Michigan. He also created the Strategies for Sustainable Small Town and Rural Development series (www.consumersenergy.com/econdev) produced by Consumers Energy, featuring leading concepts for promoting small town prosperity. He speaks frequently on new concepts for small towns and rural economic development. Allan is a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Political Science and an M.S. in Regional Planning. He worked as an urban and regional planner prior to joining Consumers Energy and has taught political science at the community college level.

Job Titles:

• Finance Manager

Janet Groves serves as finance manager at Prima Civitas, with responsibility for all accounting functions and financial activities. In addition, she provides support for human resources and operations functions.

Jerry Ambrose's governmental experience includes 40 years in senior management, including 30 years in county government finance and administration, and nearly 10 years in municipal finance and administration. Most recently, Jerry served as a senior member and leader of the emergency management team charged with restoring the City of Flint (Michigan) to financial solvency. His nonprofit experience includes 10 years on the Board of the Capital Area United Way, three as Chair. Jerry also has served for 20 years on the Board of Directors of Mason State Bank.

Job Titles:

• Director of the Michigan Economic Center at the Prima Civitas Foundation

John Austin is the Director of the Michigan Economic Center at the Prima Civitas Foundation. He is also a Non-Resident Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution where he directed the Great Lakes Economic Initiative. He previously held the position of Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan. He served as policy director for the Lieutenant Governor's Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth. He is also a Lecturer at the University of Michigan. Mr. Austin holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College in Economics and Political Science.

Job Titles:

• Senior Consultant, Economic Development

Scott Fleming, CEcD has been engaged in economic development and commercial real estate for more than 20 years. He has led strategic planning efforts for large metropolitan areas, small communities, professional associations and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining Prima Civitas as senior consultant for economic development, Scott was vice president of economic development for Will County, Illinois. In that role, he oversaw industrial development, marketing, administration of technical assistance programs, and development of collaborative relationships with the business community. Scott served previously as chief executive officer of the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation in DeSoto, Texas where he was charged with revitalizing and expanding the local business community; and he was President and CEO of The Enterprise Group of Jackson, Michigan, a countywide economic development agency. Scott served on the board of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, was a board officer of the Michigan Economic Developers Association and was elected its president in 2011. Earlier in his career, Scott was principal account manager with DTE Energy, where he successfully recruited new businesses,developed innovative financing strategies, created business recruiting and retention programs, and advanced the development of business and technology parks. He was responsible for project feasibility analysis, public policy development, long-range development strategies, incentive programs, and brownfield redevelopment. Scott also honed his real estate skills as an economic development consultant with Land Company of Michigan. Scott earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a masters degree in urban planning and from Wayne State University. In addition, he is a certified economic developer, certified professional community and economic developer, completed the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute program, and holds a Michigan real estate license.

Job Titles:

• Executive Director of the Saginaw County Business & Education Partnership

For over 19 years, Kathy Conklin has been the Executive Director of the Saginaw County Business & Education Partnership, which is an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization. The Partnership is made up of leaders from business, education, and the community who are working together to increase academic achievement and employability skills within the region. Kathy also serves as the Executive Director of the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturing Association whose primary purpose is to attract and develop skilled employees for job opportunities in manufacturing. Kathy is a member of the Michigan's National Career Readiness Advocates Board and Michigan's Advanced Manufacturing Task Team. Locally she serves on the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Board, the Ezekiel Project Jobs Taskforce, the Women in Leadership Board, and the Regional Entrepreneurial Collaborative. Kathy is a graduate of Leadership Saginaw, the 1000 Leaders Initiative, and the 2011 Great Lakes Bay Leadership Institute. In addition, she has earned certification as a Business Solutions Professional from Michigan State University. Kathy has been recognized for her leadership by the National Alliance of Business as the Education Professional of the Year and by the Zonta Club as the Women of the Year. Kathy is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and is currently working on her Masters Degree in Quality Management from Eastern Michigan University.

Job Titles:

• Owner and Creative Advisor for Inspiring Innovations, Inc

Marv Pichla is the owner and creative advisor for Inspiring Innovations, Inc., his own small business. Sharing his unique experience with entrepreneurship and innovation in public service, Marv consults with public and private business, education, and community organizations to develop new and different problem solving methods through real-life example-based learning.

Job Titles:

• Treasurer

Mr. Berdan has headed Northern Transformation Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, since its inception in 2010. As Executive Director of Region 7B Consortium- Michigan Works! for the past 14 years, he is responsible for workforce development activities in the six counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw and Roscommon Counties and beyond. He believes in a collaborative approach to improving employment opportunities for job seekers and looks for ways to combine workforce and economic development strategies assisting businesses to prosper. He has held leadership positions with numerous partnerships and statewide and local boards including the Michigan Works! Association Steering Committee, Veterans Services and Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Having extensive experience with community assessments and planning, Mr. Berdan served as Community Coordinator for four counties. He is a graduate of Adrian College. Residing in Ogemaw County, Mr. Berdan and his wife are foster parents joining their already active household.

Job Titles:

• Chief

Pat Gillespie is the chief visionary, founder and president of Gillespie Group. Under Pat's leadership, Gillespie Group has been at the forefront of development and property management, and is recognized as a driving force for progress in Lansing and throughout the state. A graduate of Michigan State University, Pat supports his alma mater through frequent speaking engagements and attendance at sporting events. His expertise is put to good use, engaging audiences at MSU's School of Planning, Design and Construction and the MSU Land Policy Institute. Pat is frequently asked to speak within the Building Construction Management department, sharing his insight with eager undergraduate students. Known for his multifamily and mixed-use developments in the Greater Lansing area and surrounding markets, Pat is a respected leader. His heartfelt mission is to motivate and energize Mid-Michigan communities. He is recognized for his focus, enthusiasm and ability to bring his unique perspective to life. Committed to community and cultural growth, Pat has invested his time and resources to work with the MSU International program; specifically to engage the Chinese student body in an effort to create a stronger and more enhanced internship program in addition to housing communities that would celebrate their culture. A passionate participant in Lansing's growth, he holds board positions on the Capital Region Community Foundation, Sparrow Foundation, Lansing Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee, Summit Community Bank and Junior League of Lansing Community Advisory. Pat's a member at large for the Lansing Regional Chamber board of directors. He also attends Lansing Economic Area Partnership Placemaking Committee meetings and frequently leads discussions with other local community leaders and organizers through his support on the Summit Bank's Executive Loan Committee. Pat is also noted for his community service support. Advocating for urban renewal through activism and revitalization projects, he affects positive change and makes a lasting commitment to communities and the environment with each development. And with new projects constantly in the works, Pat and the Gillespie Group will continue to promote progress and inspire growth in Lansing and beyond.

Job Titles:

• Director of Marketing and Communications

Sheri Greenhoe is Director of Marketing and Communications at Prima Civitas. She is responsible for managing all aspects of communications and marketing for Prima Civitas. As a member of the leadership team, Sheri develops and leads the management of relationships with a variety of key audiences on behalf of Prima Civitas and its stakeholders, and manages all aspects of communications, and marketing. Sheri also advises and assists other Prima Civitas executives in the development of organizational policy and grant proposals.

Steve is the Executive Fellow and Managing Director of the Social Impact Center, Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, Opus College of Business at University of St.Thomas in Minneapolis. The Center is focused on meeting the growing and changing talent needs of not-for-profit entrepreneurs and leaders across the region, nation and globe. He has extensive experience developing and advancing educational institutions, as well as other non-profit and for-profit enterprises. He also has extensive experience with fund development, and success in creating opportunity in economically dislocated populations and communities in transition. Steve is a problem solver with success leading large and small university/public/private consortia formed to address complex challenges through strategic partnerships, team building, mentoring and leadership development.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of the Board
• Chief Executive Officer

Arnold began his role as chief executive officer and chairman of Prima Civitas in March, 2014. He serves as the day to day officer in charge of carrying out the organization's mission to strengthen Michigan's economy by connecting, convening, collaborating and adding expert capacity to projects that support Michigan's economic growth. Arnold, who had previously served as Treasurer of the Prima Civitas Board, joined the organization from the Michigan Municipal League, where he worked with municipal officials, interest groups, the governor's office, state agency directors and staff, and legislators as the League's director of state and federal affairs. Prior to that, as director of strategic initiatives, he was responsible for the planning and development of new programs, services, publications, and outreach strategies to support broad place-based policy initiatives and programming. This included development and implementation of the League's Center for 21st Century Communities, created to help local officials identify,develop, and implement strategies to grow and strengthen Michigan's communities in the coming decades. As president of the Michigan Municipal League Foundation he worked to engage local officials in innovative League programs to enhance and develop leadership in local government through research and education, and by providing opportunities for training. Previously, Arnold worked for the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Caucus as a legislative aide, policy analyst and policy director. In those roles he was responsible for serving as a liaison to caucus leadership and coordinating caucus activities on the House floor; for development and implementation of caucus strategies including design, research, coordination and preparation of legislation; and directing day-to-day management of administrative, policy development, constituent services, and support functions within the framework of the Democratic Caucus' overall plan. He also served as an elected member of the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education as treasurer and president, and as treasurer of the Waverly Education Foundation. He currently is a board member of Creative Many Michigan, the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association, Michigan Rural Development Council and Michigan Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association. Arnold is a graduate of Michigan State University's College of Social Science Multi-Disciplinary program with a Bachelor of Science degree. The Board of Directors of Priima Civitas named Arnold Weinfeld its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board on February 17, 2014. Arnold, who served as treasurer of the board, joins Prima Civitas from the Michigan Municipal League, where as Director of Strategic Initiatives he developed programs, services and outreach strategies to further the League's policy initiatives. Also, as President of the Michigan Municipal League Foundation he engaged local officials in innovative League programs. Prior to his position with the Municipal League, Arnold worked for the Michigan House of Representatives as a legislative aide, policy analyst and policy director. He also served as an elected member of the Waverly Community Schools Board of Education as Treasurer and then Board President. He currently is Treasurer of the Waverly Education Foundation and is a board member of the Michigan Parks and Recreation Association and Michigan Rural Development Council. Arnold succeeds Prima Civitas CEO Steven Webster, who took the helm of Prima Civitas in 2011.

Job Titles:

• Director of Talent Initiatives

In her role as Talent Director, Mary builds innovative strategies and solutions to workforce development issues such as: building and integrating talent pipelines; experiential cooperative learning; employment creation; inclusion and team building; "brain drain" solutions and developing a culture of entrepreneurialism. Mary's focus is on maximizing partnerships across the state between various stakeholders to advance Michigan's talent and business. Prior to joining Prima Civitas, she was chief service officer to the City of Flint, developing and implementing civic engagement and safety programming. Previously she was director of the Greater Flint National Service Accelerator Initiative and Fund, and was the AmeriCorps*VISTA coordinator for the Tri-County Power of We Consortium. Mary holds a BS degree from Michigan State University in Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications, and an MS from MSU in Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies.