(GRAND RAPIDS & LANSING, MI) – The Michigan Economic Developers Association announced its 2021 award recipients at a special August 24 reception its annual meeting in Grand Rapids. The six award winners are listed below.
Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship – Samantha Fountain, Small Business Specialist, City of Flint
Among the honorees at MEDA’s 2021 awards reception was the presentation of the first Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship to Samantha Fountain, Small Business Specialist with the City of Flint. The goal of the Birgit M. Klohs Fellowship is to increase women and minority participation in economic development in a way that supports MEDA’s membership, its committees, and the organization as a whole, by increasing opportunities for the education needed to build each recipient’s skills and abilities in economic development. Birgit Klohs first joined MEDA in 1977 and was one of MEDA’s first three female members. She recently retired after 33 years of leadership at The Right Place, Inc. following a highly successful career.
MEDA was honored to receive eleven extraordinary applicants for the first year that the Fellowship was offered. MEDA’s Emerging Leaders Committee, using detailed scoring criteria, selected Samantha for her early career accomplishments, such as receiving praise for her work in assisting companies as a PTAC Counselor for the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance and serving on several local boards and committees for the City of Swartz Creek. She also has clear and ambitious goals for future success, including pursing the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
“The future of our state looks brighter because of driven professionals like Samantha and we look forward to working with her while she builds her career,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
Medalist of the Year Award – Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Partnership
MEDA’s highest award, the MEDA Medalist of the Year Award, is presented to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of economic development, dedication to the growth of his or her community, and has a strong record of achievement over his or her career. The MEDA Board of Directors carefully reviewed the nominations to select this year’s recipient, Maureen Donohue Krauss, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Partnership.
Maureen has been a part of this profession for over twenty years and has a long history of leadership in economic development. Throughout the years she has become an Economic Development Finance Professional, Mike Conboy Professional Development Awardee in 2017, Crain’s Women to Watch in 2011, and Arizona Association of Economic Developers, Arizona Economic Developer of the Year in 1994. Maureen has been a member of MEDA for the majority of her economic development career in Michigan, including leading a successful 2016 Annual Meeting as Chair. Maureen is highly skilled in managing non-profit organizations, international business attraction, and government relations. She is instrumental in building strong teams along with innovative program development and management.
“MEDA is proud to add Maureen Donohue Krauss to the distinguished list of MEDA Medalists and looks forward to her continual work in making our state a great place to live, work, and do business,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
Mike Conboy Professional Development Award – Christine Roeder, Senior Vice President of Growth and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Among five prestigious awards, the Mike Conboy Professional Development Award was given. The Conboy Award is given to MEDA members who have made substantial, long-term contributions/commitment to MEDA, specifically focusing on the advancement of the economic development profession through support of education/training and/or by expanding the knowledge base of economic developers.
2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, announced the receipt of the award to Christine Roeder, Senior Vice President of Growth and Development, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Christine has been involved in economic development more than twenty years and is a huge asset to our profession. Over the years, she has maintained and enhanced communication between the MEDC and MEDA, and she is always looking for ways to get economic development partners to work more closely together for the economic growth of Michigan.
“MEDA is proud to add Christine to its list of Mike Conboy Award recipients and thanks her for her dedication to, and support of, to the Association,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
President’s Award – Ronald Smedley, Jr., CEcD, Brownfield Redevelopment Coordinator, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
The President’s Award is given to members that have provided a substantial contribution to MEDA. 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, announced the receipt of the award to Ronald Smedley, Jr., CEcD, Brownfield Redevelopment Coordinator, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
Ron has been a member of MEDA for about twenty years and is the third longest-serving member of its Membership Committee, where he is an active and enthusiastic participant, sharing his insights on ways to grow the membership. MEDA’s Membership Committee has long been small but mighty, continuing to maintain a strong base, and does that with the support of dedicated committee members like Ron. In addition to his work in reaching new members, Ron helps to serve as a connection MEDA when updates are needed from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
“MEDA is proud to add Ron to its list of President’s Award recipients and looks forward to his continued commitment to the Association for years to come,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession – Kati Mora, Vice President at Middle Michigan Development Corporation
Among five prestigious awards, the Robert Sieghart Award for Enthusiasm for the Economic Development Profession was given. The Sieghart recipient is someone who enjoys economic development and understands the importance of the profession to all communities. This individual is interested in bringing more professionals into the fold with their passion and dedication. They know that more jobs and investment in a community will benefit the entire state, that the rising tide lifts all ships.
2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, announced the receipt of the award to Kati Mora, Vice President at Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
Kati has been instrumental in mentoring and assisting fellow colleagues in her region, playing a major role with the distribution of Michigan Small Business Relief, Restart, and Survival grants while single-handedly winning two major Match-on-Main Grants for the City of Mount Pleasant through collaboration with the City and her team. While still new to MEDA, she has been working hard to help get more women involved in economic development and participates on the Association’s Membership Committee.
“MEDA is proud to add Kati to its list of Robert Sieghart Award recipients and thanks her for her dedication to her community and to economic development as a whole,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
Emerging Star Award – Keyra Cokley, Small Business: Procurement & Technical Assistance Manager, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation
The Emerging Star Award was developed by MEDA’s Emerging Leaders Committee to recognize early-career achievement in economic development.
Keyra’s nomination, submitted by Anthony Tomczak from DTE Energy, was full of examples of hard work and dedication. She created the BuyDetroit Portal and Capacity Building Series, which helps Detroit businesses connect with sourcing opportunities, accelerates job creation, and more. She helped create the Cities and Businesses of Color: A Guide to Economic Growth through the Citi Bank City Accelerator Initiative. She helped tremendously during the pandemic, facilitating over $15 million in cash grants. She has also facilitated, created, and managed the RFP process for the sale of Paradise Valley Properties, facilitated over $800 million in contracting opportunities through large-scale development projects with Detroit-based contractors, and much more.
“MEDA is proud to add Keyra as its second Emerging Star awardee and looks forward to her leadership and success in economic development in the future,” said 2021 MEDA Board President James McBryde, President and Chief Executive Officer, Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
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About MEDA
www.medaweb.org
The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA), founded in 1960, exists to advance economic development throughout Michigan, and increase the individual member’s effectiveness in the economic development profession. The association’s goal is to provide a variety of services and programs that will enhance ability and skills in economic development.
Through in-person and virtual education on peer-developed topics, legislative updates, in-person and virtual networking opportunities, leadership development, mentoring, and much more, MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to accomplish their goals more efficiently and effectively.