Detroit, Mich. — Business Leaders for Michigan (BLM), the state’s business roundtable, today announced that Jennifer (Jen) Nelson has joined the staff as its new Vice President for Public Policy and Economic Development.
Nelson comes to BLM from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), where she served most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer.
“Jen is well respected across Michigan for her role in the state’s job attraction efforts,” said Doug Rothwell, BLM president & CEO. “She will be a key addition to our staff, overseeing BLM’s policy agendas in the areas of economic and workforce development and K-12 education. Her depth of knowledge and policy-focused legal background will enhance BLM’s ability to work to make Michigan a ‘Top Ten’ state for jobs, personal incomes and a healthy economy.”
Nelson held multiple leadership positions at the MEDC, including Chief Operating Officer and Legal Counsel. Prior to her time with the MEDC, she worked as an attorney in the public finance corporate group at Dykema Gossett.
Nelson’s appointment expands BLM’s public policy staff which also includes Tim Sowton, Vice President for Government Affairs & Public Policy. Sowton will continue to oversee BLM’s benchmarking, fiscal and higher education policy areas in addition to his primary responsibility of leading BLM’s policy advocacy work.
Nelson holds an undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University and a law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law.