The Michigan Economic Development Corp. in Lansing announced that Jen Nelson has been appointed chief operating officer for the organization.
“Jen brings an incredible wealth of experiences in economic development and the state’s business community to this role, in addition to her knowledge and insights into MEDC as an organization,” says Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jen back to MEDC to help Team Michigan advance our collective mission to accelerate upward economic mobility across the state and make Michigan the top four-season economy in North America.”
Nelson previously served the MEDC for 12 years in different leadership roles, including executive vice president, chief business development officer, COO, and legal counsel. She returns to the organization from Business Leaders for Michigan, where she served as vice president of public policy and economic development for the past four years.
“I could not be more excited to return to the MEDC and utilize all that I’ve learned during my time at Business Leaders for Michigan to continue to advance Michigan’s statewide economic development strategy,” says Nelson.
“A key part of this mission is collaboration, and I am committed to working diligently with anyone who wants to be part of growing prosperity in Michigan, while empowering the MEDC team to become the best organization of its kind in the nation.”
In addition to leading strategic initiatives as COO, she will spearhead organizational strategy and execution as well as key outreach initiatives, working with the MEDC Executive Committee, Michigan Strategic Fund Board of Directors, Collaborative Development Council, Michigan Economic Development Foundation, Business Leaders for Michigan, and more.
Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Northern Michigan University and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
