Greg Main Named to Lead State Economic Development Team

Brings Wide-ranging Job Creation, Technology Experience Home to Michigan

LANSING --The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced that, pending formal Board action on February 26, D. Gregory Main will replace James Epolito beginning April 1 as president and CEO of the state’s central investment attraction and job creation organization. Main, until recently, was CEO and president of i2E INC, one of the nation’s leading technology commercialization organizations in Oklahoma City.

"Michigan is widely recognized for the strength of our premier economic development organization that is today getting a new leader with deep experience in vital business and technology sectors,” said Matthew Cullen, chairman of the MEDC Executive Committee. "Greg Main is a tested, proven economic developer with everything it takes – focus, energy and tech savvy – to bring new investments and jobs to our state."

Main, who was born in Belding and grew up in Lansing, has a long record of leadership in new technology ventures and economic development. He served i2E from 2003 until June, 2008, as its CEO and president in assisting start-up companies to attract risk capital and secure private equity funding. He was a general partner with Chisholm Private Capital Partners, a $66 million venture capital firm, in Oklahoma City from 1998-2002 and prior to this, was a partner in Intersouth Partners of Research Triangle, NC, beginning in 1994.

Main built an impressive record in economic development in both Michigan and Oklahoma after his graduation with summa cum laude honors at Michigan State University in 1970. He served as Secretary of Commerce in Oklahoma from 1991-1994 following service with the Michigan Department of Commerce from 1983-1991.  

James C. Epolito, the outgoing president and CEO of MEDC, announced in January that he would leave the organization to become president of Delta Dental of Michigan and president of Delta Dental’s parent company Renaissance of America in April.  

“Jim Epolito has led Michigan’s economic development with vision and vigor through one of our state’s most trying times,” Cullen said. “We cannot thank him enough for all that he has done to bring new investment and job creation here in the face of historically difficult economic forces. We will miss Jim Epolito greatly and at the same time look forward to a new era of leadership for our state.” 

During his service at the Michigan Department of Commerce, Main earned promotions and took on increasing leadership roles, beginning as director of the Upper Peninsula office, moving to head its manufacturing group in 1985 and becoming the deputy director for economic development in 1990. He was executive director and chief planner for the Escanaba-based Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Regional Commission between 1970 and 1983. 

Main and his wife, Barbara, have five grown children, three daughters and two sons.  Two of his children live in Michigan, a daughter, husband and family in Rochester Hills and a son, wife and family in Kalamazoo.  Greg and Barbara have eight grandchildren.  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.