Jeff Mason is the first executive director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor.

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MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — Jeff Mason, senior vice president and chief business development officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., has been selected to become the first executive director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor effective July 6.

Mason currently leads MEDC business development efforts focusing on national and international business attraction, and Michigan business expansion and job retention. In 2008, Mason and the MEDC team assisted more than 205 companies including Hemlock Semiconductor, IBM and United Solar Ovonic in making more than $60 billion in private investment, creating and retaining more than 100,000 jobs.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to be part of the URC and the chance to help drive economic development involving these three powerful research universities,’’ Mason said.

The URC is an alliance of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University to align their collective resources to transform, strengthen and diversify Michigan’s economy.

As the URC’s executive director, Mason will report to the URC presidents and be based in Lansing near the state Capitol. He will build on his previous experience to work with state and regional economic development agencies as well as university faculty and administrators, and key business and policy leaders.

“Jeff is a consummate economic development practitioner in every sense of the word as well as a proud graduate of a URC institution,’’ said MSU President Lou Anna Simon. “He'll accelerate our efforts to re-create a vibrant economy in Michigan and help the corridor's efforts to raise Michigan's international visibility.”

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman said hiring Mason marks an important step forward for the URC.

“Our three universities are working to really collaborate on a deeper level than we ever have in the past, and Jeff’s presence will enhance our drive to advance technology, innovation and creativity in our state,” Coleman said.

She praised Mason’s background in technology development and transfer, commercialization, venture capital and business development, and his experience focusing on such key URC areas of strength as life sciences, alternative energy and advanced manufacturing.

"As a current or former board member of organizations like the Core Technology Alliance, MichBio, Automation Alley and the Michigan Information Technology Center, Jeff has a proven track record of working with business, government and academia on URC-related projects and priorities,’’ said Wayne State President Jay Noren.

Prior to his current role, Mason oversaw MEDC’s Technology Development Group, working to grow technology-oriented segments of Michigan’s economy and focused on emerging growth sectors supported by the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund. Mason earlier led the MEDC’s communication and media relations activities, directing its marketing campaign and helping the state gain recognition as an attractive place to work, live and do business.

He also served as managing director of e-MEDC, creating an electronic business strategy offering economic development products and services, and worked in roles promoting the state’s tourism industry. Prior to joining the MEDC in 1999, Mason held several posts in state government, including several roles with the Michigan Department of Commerce. Mason earned a bachelor of science in business administration degree from MSU. 

Mason will join the URC presidents at a 12:30 p.m. news conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island Thursday as they release a new URC report conducted by Anderson Economic Group.

For more on the URC, visit www.urcmich.org. For more on the MEDC, visit http://www.michiganadvantage.org/.

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Michigan Technological University is a leading public research university, conducting research, developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world. Michigan Tech offers nearly 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering, forestry and environmental sciences, computing, technology, business and economics, natural and physical sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences.  For more go to mtu.edu.

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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 17 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.