The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. has promoted Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges to executive vice president of economic development and investment services. She has been with the corporation for 14 years and was most recently vice president of real estate and financial services.
“The DEGC is focused on job creation and economic growth for Detroit’s residents and businesses,” says Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of the corporation. “Attracting new businesses, retaining and growing our existing base, and making Detroit a prime business location will help us achieve those goals. (Hairston-Bridges) will lead an expert team that will drive economic opportunity into our neighborhoods and increase the city’s competitive position.”
BunLim Ly will join the corporation as vice president of global commerce and corporate attraction and will report to Hairston-Bridges. His team will focus on attracting businesses from the fastest-growing regions of the world, such as Brazil, India, South Korea, and China; re-establishing networks in Europe; and helping increase flow of trade with Canada.
“Ly’s highly experienced international team will be responsible for generating leads and converting those leads into jobs for Detroiters,” says Hairston-Bridges.
Johnson says Hairston-Bridges had a significant role in many of Detroit’s recent development announcements, including the new Hudson’s and Monroe Block projects, the East Riverfront transformation, and Ford Motor Co.’s acquisition of the former Michigan Central Station.
“(Hairston-Bridges) is truly a visionary,” says Johnson. “She has an unequaled ability to close major deals, which results in more opportunity for Detroit residents. Through her relentless pursuit of inclusive development across the city, as well as her integrity and passion, (Hairston-Bridges) represents the very best of the DEGC.”
Hairston-Bridges worked for the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) before joining the corporation. She is also a mentor for girls in the city of Detroit. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University.
Ly was most recently vice president of TC Transcontinental Packaging in Ann Arbor, identifying emerging market opportunities. He has experience engaging with foreign direct investment markets to general revenue for private-sector companies. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a certificate of finance from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
The Detroit Economic Growth Corp. is a nonprofit organization that serves as an agency for business retention, attraction, and economic development initiatives in Detroit.
