eMacomb - Department News, Fall 2014

New Staff

Several new staff members have joined our department since our last update. Please join us in welcoming:

Mike Connors

Returning to the department is our new Program Manager Mike Connors. Mike worked for Macomb County for close to 11 years, starting at Facilities and Operations, moving on to become a housing rehab specialist with Community Development and later becoming an associate planner. Most recently, Mike was working for the city of Roseville as director of community and economic development. He has a Bachelor of Science in business communications from Rochester College and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Michigan, Dearborn.

Lisa Copley

A welcomed addition, Lisa Copley joined the department in May as account clerk I. At the front counter, Lisa answers the phone, assists mapping customers and researches grant opportunities. Lisa formerly worked at Environmental Testing and Consulting (ETC) in Romulus. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Hannah Peters

We welcome Hannah Peters as an associate planner for Planning and Mapping Services. She went to school at Michigan State University, graduating from James Madison College with a bachelor’s degree in political theory. She is nearing completion of her master’s degree in urban planning from Wayne State University. She previously worked in community and economic development for the city of Farmington.

Daniel Rochon

In July, Dan Rochon joined the team. As an associate planner, Dan’s projects include conducting research, assisting with events and working on business development with the Blue Water Initiative. He comes to us from our partners at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) where he was an intern. Dan has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Oakland University.

Alyssa Tracey

The most recent addition to our staff is senior economic development specialist Alyssa Tracey. Previously, Alyssa worked as a program manager for innovation and emerging markets for Prima Civitas in East Lansing. She has a bachelor’s degree through James Madison College at Michigan State University and a master’s in Middle Eastern studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Kimberly Wolosiewicz

The long search for a new geographic information specialist is finally over. Kimberly Wolosiewicz comes to us from both the city of Novi where she was a GIS data conversion technician for IT and from Canton Township where she was a GIS specialist for the planning department. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Tech and a graduate certificate in GIS from Eastern Michigan University.

Newly Retired

We also say goodbye to Program Manager Bob Tess. Bob retired this past May after working 28 years for the department. We wish him the very best of luck with his future endeavors!

Recently Promoted

This past June, Vicky Rad was promoted to deputy director of the department.

Rad first joined Planning and Economic Development as a senior economic development specialist for business attraction in January 2013. She is credited with managing a grant from the MEDC that resulted in the formation of the Michigan Automated Systems Collaborative, a regional group of professionals engaged in advancing Michigan’s robotics industry. The grant also provided funding to develop a new marketing campaign for Michigan’s defense industry and a series of training events for employers interested in developing a veteran hiring program.

"Vicky Rad has been a tremendous asset to the department and the county,” said Stephen N. Cassin, executive director of the department. “The leadership and economic development skills she has demonstrated made her the ideal choice for the position."

A seasoned economic development professional, Rad formerly worked for the Detroit Regional Chamber and also the Macomb Regional Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). Rad earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker College and a Master of Science in Administration (MSA) from Central Michigan University. She also holds a master’s certificate in Government Contracting Administration from George Washington University.

Biz Clips Goes Digital

Our daily Biz Clips subscribers undoubtedly noticed a BIG change this past July when we converted to a new HTML format. In addition to the fresh new look, Biz Clips is now mobile compatible!

Other new features include upcoming events, links to our social media and categories focusing on news about businesses within the county; opportunities for conferences, seminars and grants; industry trends occurring in southeast Michigan and across the state; government happenings at the county, state and local level; and recreational and community events.

Gathered from local news sources, we strive to distribute the most pertinent news happening in Macomb County. Interested in becoming a Biz Clips subscriber? Please email Caitlin at caitlin.gerds-habermas@macombgov.org, and she will be happy to add you!