In this Economic Development Forum, presented by SMART, representatives from the MEDC will be discussing Oakland County's role in the Defense and Aerospace industry.
Topics of discussion will include:
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Introduction to the MEDC’s Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation: Oakland County suppliers are Important to the defense and aerospace ecosystem
- Building a diversified sustainable company’s portfolio
- The Michigan Maritime Manufacturing Initiative (M3)
- Schoolcraft Apex Accelerator assisting Oakland County Suppliers on Defense and Aerospace Readiness and navigation these industries
- MEDC Workforce and other resources
About the presenters:
Olga Martinez, Program Administrator, Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator
Olga Martinez is the program administrator for the Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator, which serves as a government contracting educator and procurement technical assistance provider for a diverse and wide range of businesses located in several Southeastern Michigan counties.
Ms. Martinez directs a team of procurement counselors and support specialists to prepare new entrants for government contracting with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local agencies, and government prime contractors. Pre/post award assistance and resources for new and existing government suppliers is facilitated through trainings and individualized technical assistance.
Chris Rishko, Director of Talent Solutions, Michigan Economic Development Corp
Chris Rishko currently serves as the Director of Talent Solutions, Michigan Economic Development Corp where he is responsible for developing and implementing systems and strategies, in cooperation with partners across Michigan, to provide a modernized short and long-term talent pipeline solutions that will assist employers in realizing the workforce objectives they need to be successful.
Prior to his current position, Chris served as Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Michigan Works! where he was responsible for the administration and delivery of numerous federal and state workforce development programs across the 5 county Great Lakes Bay Region.
Jeanne Schabath-Lewis, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation
Jeanne Schabath-Lewis has extensive experience in supplier and small development, and project management within the defense and aerospace sectors. She currently serves as the Stakeholder Engagement Director for the Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation. Jeanne previously held the position of Supplier Development Diversity Project Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems and was employed there for over 23 years.. Earlier in Jeanne's career, roles included Customer Service Representative/Purchasing at Elliott Group International, Ltd. Jeanne holds a Master's degree in International Business from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Western Michigan University.
Presented by:
