JEFF MASON:
Executive Director of Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC) in Lansing. An alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University the URC works to transform, strengthen, and diversify Michigan’s economy by leveraging the intellectual capital of these three public research universities. The most recent URC report found the universities’ combined impact added $14.5 billion to the state’s economy. A URC-supported collaboration between researchers at the universities began with a $523,282 seed grant that helped them win a $12.5 million federal grant less than a year later, leading to scientific progress and several new partnerships and publications. Under Mason’s leadership, new collaborations include a competitive program to support symposia on major research topics with the potential to lead to new research funding opportunities. Another URC-supported project, involving efforts by the universities to turn biomass, such as corn stover and switch grass, into fermentable sugars, high-quality pulps, high-value added chemicals, and other bio-based products, has resulted in several patent applications, publications, presentations, and new collaboration. Prior to joining the URC, Mason was senior vice president and chief business development officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., where he led a team responsible for the retention and expansion of existing Michigan businesses as well as the attraction of national and international companies. In 2008, that team assisted businesses in creating or retaining over 105,000 jobs and more than $7.6 billion in private investment. Previously, Mason headed up the group working to grow Michigan’s economy in the areas of technology transfer and commercialization, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and business development – focusing on the sectors that make up Gov. Granholm’s 21st Century Jobs Fund, a $1 billion, 10-year fund to grow and diversify Michigan’s economy. He also served as managing director of e-MEDC, creating an electronic business strategy offering economic development products and services, and worked to promote the state’s tourism industry. Mason received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University.
