Four new positions to focus on talent solutions, innovative real estate development and global business attraction

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced key hires to continue its momentum in creating greater economic opportunity statewide through talent solutions; business attraction, expansion, retention and growth; and innovative real estate solutions. The positions amplify and will lead initiatives around business attraction, talent development and site readiness as MEDC positions Michigan to win transformational deals within an increasingly competitive economic development landscape and create more attractive places and employment opportunities for Michiganders.

• Kerry Ebersole Singh will serve as Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer
• Terri Fitzpatrick will serve as Chief Real Estate Development and Engagement Officer
• Joe Melvin, CEcD, will serve as Senior Vice President for Global Business Attraction
• Eric Miller will serve as Vice President, Domestic & Foreign Direct Investment

“As we work to build a championship economy here in the state, we are excited to welcome Kerry, Terri, Joe and Eric to Team Michigan here at the MEDC,” said Quentin Messer, Jr. CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “These hires allow us to execute more rapidly our goal of making Michigan the #1 four-season economy in North America by bringing additional expertise to an already outstanding team that is laser-focused on delivering Pure Opportunity to every region and business here in our state.”

Kerry Ebersole Singh most recently served as Director of the Office of Sixty by 30 in the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and has also served as Director of the Protect Michigan Commission and as Statewide Census Director. Previously she has served as Michigan State Director and Senior Advisor to the Energy Foundation States and Regions Program, helping to lead the way to accelerating the transition to the clean energy economy. In her role as Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Officer, Ebersole Singh will focus on developing and building MEDC’s strategic focus around high-wage skills growth, working with businesses and communities to better attract, retain and train the talent critical to growing the state’s economy.

Terri Fitzpatrick, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, most recently served as COO and Vice President of Development at Boji Group and brings 30 years of corporate, tribal and public sector real estate experience to the role; including six years as real estate director for the Department of Management and Budget and serving as Vice President of Tribal Business Development at MEDC. As Chief Real Estate Development and Engagement Officer, Fitzpatrick will coordinate site development and infrastructure needs throughout the state to prepare for future business attraction and expansion opportunities while working with real estate developers statewide.

Joe Melvin, CEcD, comes to the MEDC from North Carolina’s Southeast Region, where he served as Director of Business Development for that 18-county regional partnership. A certified economic developer, he has been recognized as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for 2020 by Consultant Connect for his outstanding leadership and innovation in the profession and brings a professional background that includes positions within state, regional, and local organizations. As Senior Vice President for Global Business Attraction, Melvin will head MEDC’s global business attraction and expansion initiatives and strategy.

Eric Miller comes to the MEDC from the Greater Richmond Partnership where he served as senior vice president of business development. Miller brings 20 years of experience in local, regional and state economic development including with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Upstate SC Alliance and senior economic development positions in Oklahoma, Tennessee and Virginia. Miller will be focused on international and U.S. investment attraction efforts in Michigan building on extensive travel for economic development in Europe, Asia and Canada.

The MEDC remains focused on its mission of achieving long-term economic prosperity for Michiganders by investing in communities, enabling the growth of good jobs and promoting Michigan’s strong image worldwide. Expanding Team Michigan through these new roles helps accelerate the growing momentum that Michigan’s economy is experiencing. With additional work ahead, these individuals enable MEDC to realize its mission in a way that is both equitable and resilient while continuing to actively work with its partners to attract, grow and retain strategic industries across Michigan.

“We are creating an environment where our current and future workforce can find good jobs, vibrant communities and where businesses can thrive and grow,” said Messer. “These new members of our leadership team will allow us to accelerate upward economic mobility and put Michigan in a strong position to win even more frequently in an increasingly competitive economic development landscape.”

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.