InvestUP board of directors leadership will transition from founding InvestUP Chairman and CEO of Veridea Group, Bob Mahaney, to Steve Hicks, CEO of Longyear.
Hicks will continue to focus on the strategic priorities defined under Mahaney’s tenure, including business and talent attraction and retention, population growth, talent development, and promotion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Mahaney succeeded in establishing InvestUP as an important voice at the state level, partnering with former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder in the organization’s earliest days and throughout his tenure.
In February, Snyder made a trip up north to present Mahaney with an award in recognition of his service.
“InvestUP has built a solid foundation for long-term growth and sustainability under Bob Mahaney’s leadership,” said Gov. Snyder. “The U.P. is a unique and special place, and InvestUP will continue to do unique and special things that benefit not only the U.P., but the entire state of Michigan.”
Hicks is eager to tackle the strategic priorities that were outlined under Mahaney’s leadership. “Our action plan was designed to strengthen U.P. business and promote the Upper Peninsula as a great place to do business, work, and live. Bob did an outstanding job of guiding us through the process of identifying our region’s most pressing challenges. I’m excited to continue his work of growing the businesses and the populations of communities across the U.P.”
In the year ahead, the InvestUP staff and board of directors will prioritize:
• retaining and growing target industries, including technology research and development; advanced manufacturing; large equipment manufacturing; and outdoor research and testing
• attracting businesses to spur job and revenue growth
• growing and advancing natural resource industries to meet market and supply chain demand
• attracting and retaining young talent and growing the younger population of workers between the ages of 18 and 36
• developing potential talent by aligning K-12 and higher ed with future UP industry needs
• increasing housing across the region
Mahaney leaves a strong legacy of leadership and strategic action.
“Two years before InvestUP was officially launched in 2017, Bob worked determinedly behind the scenes, laying the foundation for the organization’s success,” said InvestUP CEO, Marty Fittante. “He stepped up as our first board chair, and since then he has generously given of himself in helping us overcome countless challenges along the way. Bob has built and sustained critical relationships and set the strategy that guides our work every day. We’re deeply grateful for his leadership, his investment, and his commitment.”
InvestUP Vice Chair Karyn Olsson, CEO of Marketing Department, Inc., praised Mahaney’s leadership in ensuring that the InvestUP board and staff take a focused approach to their work, with an eye toward measurable results.
She added, “Bob has a tireless commitment to the people, companies, and communities of the U.P. Because of his efforts, InvestUP is now impacting our region and leading rural economic development across the state. Every person involved with InvestUP would agree: We simply wouldn’t be here without Bob.”
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