MEDC Executive Committee Approves Resolution in Support of Leadership Transition

• Executive Committee accepts intended retirement of Jeff Mason as CEO effective April 3, 2020 • Mark Burton appointed to serve as interim CEO effective March 5, 2020 • Directs personnel and compensation subcommittee to conduct national search

LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee today approved a resolution in support of a transition in leadership at the MEDC.

At its meeting today in Detroit, the MEDC Executive Committee approved a resolution accepting the retirement of CEO Jeff Mason effective April 3, 2020, and the appointment of Mark Burton as interim CEO of MEDC effective March 5, 2020 for an initial term of six months. The Executive Committee also initiated a process for a nationwide search to select a permanent CEO for Michigan’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing the state’s economy.

“On behalf of the entire MEDC Executive Committee, I want to thank Jeff Mason for his service and wish him well as he looks forward to spending more time with his family in retirement,” said Awenate Cobbina, Chair of the MEDC Executive Committee. “His positive contributions to the state, its communities and its citizens will continue to be felt long after his retirement. The Executive Committee looks forward to working with incoming CEO Mark Burton, remaining COO Amanda Bright-McClanahan, MEDC employees, local economic development partners and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and productive transition and leadership search.”

“It has been an honor to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for almost three years,” said Jeff Mason. “To lead this team of incredibly dedicated individuals focused on achieving long term economic prosperity for all Michiganders has been the most rewarding time of my career.”

Mark Burton is one of the governor’s longest-serving and most trusted advisors. The governor recommended Mark to serve as CEO in recognition of the instrumental role he played in finalizing agreements that helped deliver nearly 11,000 new auto jobs for Michigan’s working families last year.

“I’m honored to serve in this leadership role during what should be a very smooth transition period,” said Mark Burton. “I appreciate Jeff's leadership, and I'm excited to work with the dedicated team at MEDC and build on the progress we’ve made in the past year in the automotive and mobility sectors. Let’s get started.”

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.