Southwest Michigan First (SMF), headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a privately funded, market-driven economic development organization serving a seven-county region. Since its founding in 1999, SMF has operated on a simple but powerful premise:  the greatest force for change is a job.

SMF’s unique model of philanthropy and capitalism is internationally recognized for its innovation in economic development. Whether companies are looking to expand, relocate, or launch new ventures, SMF’s people and services are focused on connecting community capital to respond to its customers’ needs, wants, and desires to generate meaningful results.

Community-driven, SMF is committed to company growth, alignment with government and education, acceleration of its vibrant core communities, talent development, and communication of its regional advantages.

In addition to regional economic development, SMF is the parent company of Consultant Connect. Since 2013, Consultant Connect has provided educational and networking event services to over 230 national and international clients.

SMF works across five core areas:

• Business Development
• Talent & Workforce
• Community & Place
• Regional Strategy & Operations
• Consultant Connect

Recent impact

• Launched and accelerated THRIVE in Southwest Michigan
• Helped businesses deliver $3B+ in capital investment
• Secured and advanced $10M+ Impactful Grant Projects
• Led regional Industrial Site Inventory and Strategy
• Established $4M+ Reserve Funds
• Hosted 1,000+ Events
• Trained and coached 248 Community Leaders
• Helped businesses create 3,278 jobs

Profile

• Board of Directors: 75
• Budget: $9 million
• Staff: 22

Southwest Michigan First is seeking a transformational CEO to lead the region through its next phase of growth, transitioning from strong momentum to scaled, measurable regional impact.

This leader will be responsible for:

• Executing a comprehensive, data-driven regional strategy
• Driving high-ROI economic development initiatives
• Strengthening regional alignment across public and private sectors
• Advancing inclusive economic growth and talent strategies
• Positioning Southwest Michigan as a top-tier U.S. region for investment and talent

The CEO will lead at a critical inflection point, where regional collaboration, innovation, and execution discipline will determine long-term competitiveness.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Drive Regional Economic Growth Strategy

• Lead execution across five strategic focus areas (Businesses, People, Places, Operations, Consultant Connect)
• Prioritize high-return initiatives and catalyst projects
• Align stakeholders around measurable outcomes and performance metrics

Strengthen Regionalism and Partnerships

• Deepen collaboration across municipalities, counties, and institutions
• Improve alignment of local, regional, and state economic development efforts
• Serve as the unifying voice for Southwest Michigan’s economic future
• Support other economic development organizations

Accelerate Business Development and Investment

• Advance strategies in:

o             Business retention & expansion (BRE)

o             Targeted business attraction

o             Industry cluster growth (manufacturing, medical devices, food & beverage, health sciences)

• Strengthen site selector relationships and deal flow pipelines

Lead Talent and Workforce Transformation

• Align education and workforce systems with industry needs
• Address talent attraction, retention, and skills gaps
• Expand leadership development and community engagement initiatives

Champion Quality of Place and Regional Competitiveness

• Advance housing, infrastructure, and placemaking strategies
• Promote Southwest Michigan as a destination for business and talent
• Support catalytic development and site readiness initiatives

Scale Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Expand support for small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Advance the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem
• Foster inclusive growth, including support for underserved communities

Ensure Organizational Excellence and Growth

• Strengthen financial sustainability and investor engagement
• Build and retain a high-performing team
• Optimize systems, data, and operational alignment

Enhance Consultant Connect

• Grow consulting services, events, and thought leadership
• Strengthen relationships with site selectors and economic developers nationwide
• Diversify revenue streams and enhance brand visibility

COMPETENCIES

• Passionate about creating growth and prosperity in a community or region.
• History of successful leadership that is visionary, inclusive, accessible, and authentic.
• A strong understanding of the economic development ecosystem and how to work within a multi-jurisdictional region to strengthen commerce (high-level network to include local, state, federal governmental agencies, as well as business and industry associations).
• Demonstrated success in fund development, investor engagement, and growing private-sector support, including the ability to build and sustain strong relationships with CEOs, investors, and key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of domestic and international business and markets, business development competencies, and the ability to close deals.
• Experience using metrics, dashboards, and performance management.
• Be adept at public policy and advocating on behalf of the business community.
• Build a culture of trust and collaboration amongst private and public-sector entities across the region and state.
• Demonstrate strategic thinking and a track record of execution.
• Be a highly effective communicator, both written and oral.
• Have the courage, resilience, and persuasiveness to move forward with actionable initiatives that will foster economic growth.
• Form great teams, both internally and externally, to execute the Southwest Michigan First mission.
• Exhibit an ethical approach and commitment to community interests.
• Be self-confident, self-aware, and energized by challenges.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree and at least ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, with a track record of success and proven results in leading a complex organization. Business acumen and project management skills.
• Proficiency in community, economic, and business development, and strategic planning.
• Understanding of the changing dynamics of the business environment in the region and what is required to attract and expand businesses to a community in such an environment.
• Strong character, with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and a broad perspective.
• Ability to collaborate and negotiate with community partners and diverse groups of people and interests.
• Superior interpersonal and organizational communications, ability to build and sustain working relationships, and build coalitions.
• Proven ability to attract, retain, and develop excellent staff. Must continue to build, strengthen, and energize a high-performance staff that can successfully implement and manage current and future initiatives while providing a collaborative and empowering environment.
• Professional experience with public relations, media relations, and public speaking.
• Effective Board relations; an open communicator who can provide timely information, minimize conflict, implement policy initiatives, and has a clear understanding of the difference between policy and administration.
• Experience working with academic communities to create and leverage public-private partnerships.

PERSONAL TRAITS

• Managing People and Performance – Manages and empowers people to help them achieve full potential and attain exceptional individual and team performance.
• Leading and Directing – Inspires and leads through clear vision and directions, organizing and enabling resources, and making critical decisions.
• Managing and Leveraging Relationships – Invests in relationships to successfully influence and build shared goals and achieve optimal organizational solutions and results.
• Communication and Presenting – Shares ideas and information across diverse audiences and entities to drive organizational performance and effectiveness.
• Strategic Thinking – Accustomed to changing dynamics facing the organization; leverages sharp organizational acumen to develop opportunities and strategies for organizational success.
• Analyzing and Deciding/Problem Solving – Makes sound rational decisions by thoroughly analyzing all aspects of a problem or issue.
• Planning and Organizing – Plans and organizes a detailed course of action that ensures the successful accomplishment of organizational initiatives and objectives.
• Executing for Results – Drives performance through expert management and execution of organizational plans and activities.
• Fostering Innovation and Change – Embraces and promotes innovation and change as a way to enhance personal, team, and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintaining Self Awareness and Impact – Maintains objectivity about own self; manages the impact of self on others, and actively learns from experience to maximize positive impact.
• Adapting to Change and Stress – Adapts and responds well to change; manages pressure effectively and copes well with setbacks.
• Upholding Standards – Consistently adheres to and upholds clear professional and ethical standards that complement those of the organization.