ANN ARBOR ? Ann Arbor Spark, a business attraction and retention organization for Washtenaw County, has hired James Gartin as executive director of business development, the second major hire in as many weeks.

Prior to joining Spark, Gartin served as director, community and economic development, for Ypsilanti Township, where he was responsible for the Township’s planning and building departments as well as economic development, zoning and planning.

Two weeks ago, Spark hired Amy Cell as director, talent acquisition. In this new role, Cell will manage Spark?s talent-related initiatives, including programs to attract, develop and retain managerial, professional and technical talent.

Previously, Cell served as senior associate director, Office of Student Life, at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

“Amy brings a deep recruiting and leadership development background to our organization,? said Spark CEO Michael Finney. ?Her human resources experiences in Silicon Valley, combined with her knowledge of business needs and strategy, are extremely valuable in enabling Ann Arbor SPARK to help its clients meet their talent needs.”

The addition of a business development director to the Spark team helps the organization put in place a vital piece of the puzzle, linking state and local organizations with viable and strategically imperative business opportunities, Finney said.

“Jim’s experience supports Ann Arbor SPARK’s aggressive business attraction and retention plans; he will work closely with local communities within the Ann Arbor SPARK region to facilitate economic growth,?? he said. ?Jim will also coordinate efforts with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to develop the strategies necessary to attract and retain businesses within the Washtenaw County region.”

Spark represents all communities in Washtenaw County. The group collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Pfizer, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

For more information, click on AnnArborSpark.Org