Tupac A. Hunter

Senior Vice President, Legislative & External Affairs

CURRENT FOCUS

As Senior Vice President of Legislative & External Affairs, Tupac A. Hunter is responsible for the leadership and direction of the MEDC’s External Affairs team, comprising legislative affairs and stakeholder engagement. In this role, Tupac leads and facilitates the building of strong relationships with a diverse group of partners across all key stakeholder groups, including the Michigan Strategic Fund, MEDC Executive Committee, Michigan Economic Development Foundation, Collaborative Development Council, Executive Office of the Governor, relevant state agencies, state lawmakers, regional and local economic development organizations, and corporate leaders, among others.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Tupac comes to the MEDC from Verizon where he was responsible for state and local government affairs and community engagement covering Michigan, Indiana and Missouri. Prior to joining Verizon, he served in the Office of the Wayne County Executive for nearly four years where he focused on intergovernmental relations, community engagement, and economic development. Tupac also served as an elected member of the Michigan Legislature for 12 years including four years in the House of Representatives followed by eight years in the Senate. During this time, he served in several leadership positions of increasing responsibility including House Minority Whip, Senate Assistant Minority Leader, and Senate Minority Floor Leader. Tupac began his career as a project manager at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation where he primarily managed land assemblage and site preparation activities in connection with projects of varying sizes and scope.

EDUCATION/PERSONAL

Tupac holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and a Master of Public Administration degree from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.