LANSING – James Epolito, president of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, was named to the Michigan cabinet by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
Granholm announced the move on Thursday, even though she actually named Epolito on Tuesday at the regular bi-weekly meeting of the cabinet.
Epolito “will play a critical role in our effort to create tens of thousands of jobs in the areas of life sciences, alternative energy, advanced automotive manufacturing and homeland security and defense,?? Granholm said in a press release. ?It is critical that he work closely with our entire cabinet and this new role for him signifies that job creation is a team effort in the Granholm administration.?
Epolito will continue to report to the executive committee of the MEDC Board of Directors and will work closely with Labor and Economic Growth Director David Hollister as the group tries to spur greater development in the state.
Epolito is not the only non-department head to be a part of the cabinet. Other non-departmental directors who meet with the governor on that basis are Lt. Governor John Cherry, Chief of Staff John Burchett, Office of Great Lakes Director Ken DeBeaussaert, Southeast Michigan Director Robert Davis, Budget Director Mary Lannoye, acting State Employer Tom Hall and Deputy Chief of Staff for Cabinet Affairs Teresa Bingman.
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