TROY – Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers has announced he will retire from Michigan’s leading technology business association effective Aug. 26. He co-founded the organization with Oakland County Executive Brooks Patterson and served in his post for 17 years.
Automation Alley’s Board of Directors will form an executive search committee and seek input from Rogers to identify qualified candidates for the next executive director of Automation Alley.
“Automation Alley’s award-winning achievements were made possible under the leadership of Ken Rogers,” said David Hay, president of the Automation Alley Board of Directors and vice president, Kelly Services Office of the Executive Chairman. “I would like to express my gratitude for Ken’s dedication throughout his many years of service as Automation Alley’s executive director, and also my admiration and respect for his vision, energy, personal integrity and tremendous accomplishments.”
Rogers will continue as the chairman of the board for Clarkston State Bank.
Rogers was appointed to create and lead Automation Alley by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson when the organization was founded in 1999. Since that time, Rogers has proven to be one of Southeast Michigan’s most influential leaders and a true visionary when it comes to economic prosperity for the region. His efforts resulted in the growth of Automation Alley from 42 original member companies to nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions, government entities and nonprofit organizations from the city of Detroit and the surrounding eight-county region.
With Rogers at the helm, Automation Alley received recognition from Michigan governors, legislators, and on a national level, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, for creating successful entrepreneurial programs and services for Southeast Michigan companies in the areas of advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, international business, talent development and defense.
“Automation Alley is a true success story. The organization started from humble beginnings in a small remodeled closet in the Oakland County administrative building, where I worked as deputy county executive,” Rogers said. “Fast forward to today and we have created over 6,000 jobs, secured over $600 million in export contracts for companies in the region, trained thousands of employees to help them advance their careers, and created entrepreneurship programs that are game-changers for innovators.”
“These and other accomplishments are the direct result of our talented and committed team of professionals. I am confident Automation Alley and its new leadership will grow the business to new heights. I am excited for Automation Alley. The best is yet to come,” Rogers added.
