LANSING, Mich. — (Jan. 12, 2025) The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is proud to announce the 2026 Executive Committee, led by newly appointed Board Chair Mark McDaniel, president and CEO at Cinnaire. The announcement was made during LEAP’s annual meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

LEAP President and CEO Bob Trezise highlighted the organization’s impactful year, stating, “LEAP and our region are thriving like never before, thanks to the power of partnerships. Every member of LEAP, including its Board and the volunteers on our Executive Committee, are committed to seeing our Lansing region reach its full potential. LEAP exists solely because our members want to see our region compete with the best from around the world. Not just compete, though. Compete and win on behalf of all people and businesses within our three counties.” 

Since 2012, LEAP projects have directly generated $6,780,959,636 in private investment and 11,601 direct, full-time equivalent jobs created in the three-county Lansing region. In addition, 391 new business startups were formed and 223 projects were completed, reinforcing the organization’s pivotal role in regional economic development.  

As the new LEAP Board Chair, Mark McDaniel brings a wealth of expertise in community development and affordable housing finance, including leading Cinnaire’s work to bring investment and capital to communities throughout the region.  

“I am incredibly excited to lead LEAP’s Board during a time of such opportunity for the region,” said McDaniel. “We have a dedicated committee filled with talented members and a strong staff that carries the economic development vision all working together to support the communities of the Lansing region. I am looking forward to the coming year.” 

LEAP extends its deepest gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Don McNabb, CEO and Visionary at Triterra, for his outstanding leadership and contributions. Under his guidance, LEAP achieved remarkable milestones, including: 

• Ionetix expanded their particle accelerator operations, investing $26M and creating 53 new, high-wage jobs at a new facility in Delta Township. 

• LG Energy Solution made great progress toward completing and opening their state-of-the-art facility, bringing up to 1,700 jobs to the region. Hundreds have been hired as of fall 2025. 

• Canadian automotive parts supplier Markdom will launch its first U.S. operations in late 2026 in Charlotte, creating 160 new jobs. 

• We held our first ever small business alumni networking event, The Connect, and included local entrepreneur support organizations for further engagement. 

• In partnership with the Lansing Regional SmartZone, MSU Research Foundation, MSU Innovation Center, and the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, we held our first-ever, regionwide 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week, with the second planned for April 6-10, 2026. The 2025 edition included 21 events and over 1,200 attendees. 

2026 LEAP Executive Committee Members 

• Don McNabb, Past Chair | CEO & Visionary/Integrator, Triterra

• Mark McDaniel, Board Chair | President and CEO, Cinnaire

• Donald Simon, Vice Chair | Chief Executive Officer, Farm Bureau Insurance Company

• Theresa Dubiel, Treasurer & Secretary | SVP, Member Experience and Business Development, Lake Trust Credit Union

• JV Anderton | Attorney, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

• Greg Brogan | Managing Partner, Brogan Associates

• April Clobes | President and CEO of Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

• Margaret Dimond | President, U-M Health Regional Network

• Tico Duckett | Owner and Operator, Duckett Brothers Distribution

• Jeremiah Mostrom | President, Axios Recruitment

• Julie Pingston | President and CEO, Choose Lansing

• Steve Robinson | President, Lansing Community College

• Carrie Rosingana | CEO, Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Bob Schroeder | President, Mayberry Homes

• Doug Searles | Vice President & General Manager

With this dynamic leadership team, LEAP continues to drive smart economic development growth that ensures the Lansing region remains a premier destination for business growth, innovation, and opportunity.

To view the full LEAP Board of Directors’ list, visit www.purelansing.com/about/board-of-directors/