Pontiac, MI, January 21, 2011 – Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today that Oakland County Deputy Executive Doug Smith will join the MEDC as senior vice president of strategic partnerships. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said Smith will be a great addition to Governor Rick Snyder’s economic development team.
“This is definitely the state’s gain and Oakland County’s loss,” said Patterson. “Doug is one of the best economic development leaders in Michigan. I’m sure that’s why he was drafted.”
“Snyder’s coming off my Christmas card list,” Patterson quipped.
Smith’s last day with Oakland County is February 5, 2011. No replacement has been named.
Patterson first appointed Smith as director of Economic Development and Community Affairs in 2006 and was promoted to deputy county executive in 2009. Smith leads the county’s efforts in industry diversification and commercialization of technology through the Emerging Sectors Program, Medical Main Street, the Economic Growth Alliance, and the Business Roundtable. He oversees the Economic Development & Community Affairs Department, which includes Community & Home Improvement, Planning & Economic Development Services, and Workforce Development; Marketing & Communications and the Film Office. Smith also serves as Patterson’s liaison to The Brooksie Way committee.
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