Michigan’s top economic development leader is headed to the private sector as part of a major law firm, and drawing the praise of the governor and the organization’s Chair.
Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer and MEDC Executive Committee Chair Awenate Cobbina released statements congratulating MEDC CEO Mark Burton for accepting a new position with major Detroit-based law firm Honigman. 
Governor Whitmer says, “Mark has led the MEDC through one of the most difficult chapters in our state’s history, keeping us laser-focused on supporting Michigan businesses throughout the pandemic.” She adds, “Under Mark’s leadership, Michigan has provided more than $240 million to support more than 24,400 small businesses across the state, retaining more than 200,000 jobs for Michigan’s working families. This pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but Michigan is in a stronger economic position than many states thanks in no small part to Mark’s leadership and the critical work at the MEDC that will continue after his departure.”
The governor went on to say, “I want to thank Mark for his years of dedicated service to my administration and to the people of Michigan. While I’m sad to see him leave state government, I wish him the best of luck in his new role, and I look forward to working with the MEDC Executive Committee to announce a new CEO in the coming weeks who will build on the administration’s important work in in creating good jobs and strong communities across the state.”
At the MEDC, Awenate Cobbina, Chair of the MEDC Executive Committee, says, “On behalf of the MEDC Executive Committee, I want to thank Mark for his relentless commitment to supporting Michigan businesses throughout the pandemic,” adding, “The Executive Committee initiated a national search in September, and we expect that process to conclude over the next several weeks. We are committed to selecting a leader with the right experience and skills to carry out the governor’s vision and the ongoing and exceptional work by the MEDC to build a strong and vibrant economic recovery that helps our state’s businesses grow, retain, and create more good-paying jobs for Michigan’s working families.”
For his part, Burton says today, “It has been an honor to work with the dedicated team at the MEDC to advocate for vital economic development programs across our state over the past year,” and adds, “We have worked tirelessly to provide critical relief to small businesses and communities disrupted by a global pandemic, while continuing to build a runway for long term economic prosperity and a better future for the people of this great state. I have tremendous gratitude for the outstanding team at MEDC and know they will continue to help the businesses, workers and communities of this state thrive. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and have been proud to serve the state of Michigan in this role.”
Mark Burton’s last day at the MEDC will be Friday, March 12th. MEDC leadership will continue to execute on the organization’s strategy and key priorities throughout the transition period. A CEO will be named by the Executive Committee when the CEO search process is complete.
