The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

Vicki Selva, Executive Director, The Detroit Regional Defense Coalition

We dive into Southeast Michigan’s role in the defense and aerospace sectors by talking with Vicki Selva, the Executive Director of the Detroit Regional Defense Coalition. She takes us through how the coalition is driving collaboration, shaping supportive policy, and leveraging the region’s unique assets to attract investment and high-quality jobs.

Hilary Doe, Chief Growth Officer, State of Michigan

How do you grow a state’s population when faced with challenges like talent migration, employer needs, and quality of life? Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer, Hilary Doe, is tackling the issue head-on with a statewide road show. The Michigan Growth Office initiative highlights entrepreneurship, place making, economic diversification, housing, talent attraction, and higher education—laying out a comprehensive strategy to build Michigan’s future.

Khalil Rahal, Director of Economic Development, DTE Energy

Join Khalil Rahal, Director of Economic Development at DTE Energy, as we explore the rising demands of today and tomorrow’s energy landscape. He also gives insight into how Michigan’s energy impacts economic development and site competition with other states. From the critical role of data centers to the challenges of latency, cybersecurity, and global competitiveness, Khalil discusses how Michigan can stay ahead in the evolving energy economy.

Matt McCauley, Senior Vice President-Regional Development, MEDC

During this segment of Around Michigan in 30 Minutes, we talk with MEDC SVP, Matt McCauley. Matt highlights essential and unique companies from around the state, discusses diverse industries and how regions and communities work together to better economic growth in Michigan.

Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner, Atomic Object

In this episode we welcome Jonah Bailey, Managing Partner at Atomic Object, as he talks about the future of AI and software technology. Atomic Object is a software development and design consultancy that customizes programs for each unique client. With offices from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids, Chicago and North Carolina, they are developing in industries including health tech, real estate, agriculture, sports and more.

Dr. Brad King, CEO, Orbion Space Technology

We welcome Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, Michigan, as he shares the story of how Orbion came to be, the companies they have partnered with, and his connection to the Upper Peninsula. The high-tech aerospace company specializes in Hall-effect thruster (HET) Propulsion Systems, helping spacecrafts reach all corners of the solar system.

Brad Garmon, Executive Director, Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office

As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of the Great Lakes State, as well as recognizing that a strong and vibrant outdoor recreation economy provides positive impacts for the health and well-being of Michigan’s people, natural resources, and communities.

Zach Riberdy, Marketing Director, Connors Sports

Connor Sports Marketing Director, Zach Riberdy, shares how the company got started, their sustainability practices, an NCAA partnership, and more. Through their partnership with the NCAA® they provide over 14 floors for the March Madness® Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships culminating in the Final Four®.

April Clobes, President and Chief Executive Officer, MSUFCU

April Clobes, President and CEO of MSUFCU, discusses the history of the credit union and what the credit union offers to Michigan residents. She joined the Credit Union in 1996 and moved through many positions within the organization prior to being named President and CEO in 2015. She serves on five #FinTech Advisory Boards.

Tonya Schuitmaker, J.D. & Rudy Hobbs Co-Directors at the Michigan Political Leadership Program

Since 1992, over 800 Michigan Political Leadership Program (MPLP) graduates have applied the skills and relationships they learned to work in their communities and serve in statewide offices. Tonya Schuitmaker and Rudy Hobbs are Co-Directors of MPLP at Michigan State University. They share with us how MPLP Fellows gain expertise to tackle public policy issues as candidates for office, as government officials or as citizen activists.