LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Foundation has hired Ashley Van Ek-Ten Brink as its new executive director.
“On behalf of those business leaders who serve as board members, allow me to say we are all excited to welcome Ashley as the new executive director. She is the right person with the right talents to lead the MEDF as we carry out the mission of the organization of helping expand business opportunities to strengthen employment in Michigan,” said Jeffrey Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corporation and volunteer chairman of the MEDF board.
Van Ek-Ten Brink is a graduate of Calvin College and has professional experience in fundraising, including previously working as director at Southwest Michigan First. Van Ek-Ten Brink also serves on the board of directors for the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
“I am grateful to the board for the opportunity to lead an amazing organization doing so much to promote an exceptional business climate in Michigan by helping recruit and attract new businesses to our state,” said Van Ek-Ten Brink. “I look forward to partnering with the board, Michigan business leaders and professional economic development practitioners to enhance economic prosperity for all who call Michigan home.”
The MEDF supports the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Governor Rick Snyder to help promote an excellent business climate where companies can grow and excel.
In the summer of 2017, Michigan’s unemployment rate hit a 17-year low. Personal income has grown six years in a row, the average home price has risen every year since 2011, and Michigan’s workforce growth rate was 1.7 percent last year – higher than the national average. In total, Michigan has created more than half a million new private sector jobs since 2011.
“Economic development works best when we all – state and local officials, economic development professionals and business leaders – cooperate and support one another. The MEDF serves as an important conduit for bringing these various stakeholders together as we work to strengthen Michigan’s economy. I look forward to working with Ashley and keeping this positive momentum going strong,” said Jeff Mason, chief executive officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
