New COO role at Ann Arbor SPARK
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IASP member Ann Arbor SPARK has announced that former Vice President and Chief of Staff, Phil Santer, has been promoted to the newly created role of Chief Operations Officer. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the park and brings with him more than 15 years' experience in economic development.
Santer earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University’s James Madison College and an MBA from Wayne State University. Having held roles in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and George Mason University in Washington, DC prior to joining SPARK, Santer is also a certified Economic Development Financial Professional, serving on the boards of Lake Trust Credit Union, Michigan Works! Southeast, and Destination Ann Arbor.
This advancement has also led to other leadership promotions within SPARK, including the promotion of Jennifer Olmsted to Vice President of Business Development, meaning that she will lead SPARK’s business attraction and retention efforts across Washtenaw County. Additionally, Janis Seabolt has been promoted to Director of Mobility Programs, recognising her growing leadership in advancing SPARK’s mobility and autonomous vehicle initiatives.
We extend our warm congratulations to Phil Santer, Jennifer Olmsted, and Janis Seabolt and wish them every success in their new leadership roles at Ann Arbor SPARK.