As MEDC CEO and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, Quentin is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital and enhancing Michigan’s image and brand with a focus on building a strong and equitable economy for all Michiganders. His responsibilities include managing the administration of all programs, funds, personnel, contracts and other administrative functions of MEDC.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Quentin is a member of Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer’s cabinet and serves on the boards of the American Center for Mobility, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) and is a member of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.

He was named by Financial Times as a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100, Crain’s Detroit Business, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021), Biz New Orleans CEO of the Year (2020), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), by Consultants Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2020, 2019) and by Ebony Magazine for its Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018).

Immediately prior to joining MEDC, Quentin was President & CEO at the New Orleans Business Alliance which, under his leadership, became one of fewer than 80 accredited economic development organizations worldwide (AEDO). Quentin also previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Economic Development, (LED) Louisiana’s department of economic development.

EDUCATION/PERSONAL
Quentin is an alumnus of the Boston Consulting Group and O’Melveny & Myers LLP and a degree recipient from Princeton and Columbia Universities.

In this interview, Quentin and Tony cover among other things' Quentin L. Messer, Jr. Named 2022 Newsmaker of the Year by Crain’s Detroit, along with reports of how Michigan Set to ‘Dominate’ U.S. Battery Manufacturing That stemming from a January CNBC report that Michigan is among the three states that will lead electric vehicle battery manufacturing in the U.S. by 2030.

 Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), was named a 2022 Crain’s Detroit Newsmaker of the Year. Every year, Crain’s newsroom selects 10 top newsmakers who most profoundly influenced business and life in Southeast Michigan throughout the year.

“I am in the company of an incredible group of men and women receiving this year’s awards, including, my friend, mentor, and Team Michigan’s star QB, Governor Whitmer who is being honored with the 2022 Changemaker of the Year award. I remain humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support I have received since my relocation to Michigan, and I am equally proud and honored to be named a Detroit Newsmaker of the Year,” said Messer (left). “Make no mistake about it, this award is for the entire Team Michigan within MEDC, local and regional elected officials, and economic developers across Southeast Michigan who deserve this recognition. It is thanks to my teammates’ incredible and tireless efforts that MEDC has accomplished wins for Michiganders and will continue to do the work needed to win consistently for friends and neighbors across Southeast Michigan and statewide.”

News of this year’s awards comes shortly after the MEDC Executive Committee approved a new four-year contract for Messer to continue his leadership role at the MEDC.

In his short time at the helm of the MEDC, Messer’s team has competed for and won more than $13 billion in EV and battery manufacturing investments in the state, leading to nearly 13,000 new jobs, as well as the elevation of small businesses, regional relevancy and community development and placemaking, keeping MEDC’s strategic plan as the organization’s north star.

Messer adds today’s award to an already growing resume of recognitions and awards over just the past few years. He was named by MIRS Political Figure of the Year Nominee (2022), Financial Times as a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100, Crain’s Detroit Business, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021), Biz New Orleans CEO of the Year (2020), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), Consultants Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2020, 2019) and Ebony Magazine for its Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018).

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.

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