Where the automotive industry intersects with era-defining tech innovation, you’ll find Ann Arbor, Michigan.
This event was presented by Ann Arbor SPARK.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the sixth annual Ann Arbor Mobility Summit. We had an amazing turnout, filled with dynamic dialogues between our audience and our esteemed guests.
Agenda
Doors Open
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check in and grab some breakfast while networking with your industry peers. You’ll also have time to explore our Student Project Showcase as well as connect with our sponsors.
Welcome
9:00 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
- Paul Krutko, President & CEO | Ann Arbor SPARK
Opening Remarks
9:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
- Rose Bellanca, President & CEO | Washtenaw Community College
Keynote
9:10 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
- Kathryn Snorrason, Vice President and Deputy Chief Mobility Officer | Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME)
This keynote address will showcase that Ann Arbor is a global leader in mobility innovation. Hear about the transformative potential of emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, electric mobility, and smart infrastructure. Learn about collaboration across sectors and the importance of fostering a robust ecosystem where startups, established companies, and academia converge to drive forward-thinking solutions, harness creativity and collaboration to propel Ann Arbor to the forefront of the mobility revolution, promising an exciting and impactful day at Ann Arbor SPARK’s 7th Annual Mobility Summit.
Agenda Overview
9:25 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Sarah Cicotte, Mobility Director | Ann Arbor SPARK
- Janis Seabolt, Mobility Specialist | Ann Arbor SPARK
- Ben Ernst, Talent Programs Manager | Ann Arbor SPARK
Breakout Session #1
9:40 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.
Option #1: Innovation in the Fast Lane
- Scott Hotz, Director Control Systems Department & Ann Arbor Technical Center | Southwest Research Institute
- Jim Lollar, Test Facilities Manager | Mcity
- Konner Petz, Senior Mobility Strategist | Mayor’s Office of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit
- Reuben Sarkar, President & CEO | American Center for Mobility
- Shelby Winkler, Senior Vice President Programs & Operations | Cavnue
Test sites and living labs are pushing the boundaries of mobility in Michigan. This panel conversation explores the current state of mobility innovation at sites like the University of Michigan’s Mcity, the American Center for Mobility, Southwest Research Institute, and Cavnue. Key topics will include research and development, collaboration opportunities, technical and regulatory challenges, emerging technologies, and how to stay relevant in an ever-changing mobility landscape. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
Option #2: Are We There Yet? Equity in Public Transportation
- Farai Gundan, Founder | Bhadala
- Alan Hejl, Founder & Lead Consultant | Spark Access
- Valerie Lefler, Executive Director | Feonix – Mobility Rising
- Melanie Piana, Program Director | Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan
- Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director | City of Ann Arbor
There are many barriers and challenges when it comes to public transportation. Listen to this passionate group of speakers to learn more about the importance and current state of transportation equity. The discussion will cover barriers such as accessibility, affordability, and geographic disparities, highlighting successful initiatives and strategies for improvement. Future directions will also be explored, including policy recommendations, technological innovations, and sustainable practices. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
Networking Break
10:25 a.m. –10:45 a.m.
Breakout Session #2
10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Option #1: Presentation: The Global Epicenter of Mobility
- Bernard Swiecki, Vice President, Mobility & Research | Detroit Regional Partnership
This special presentation is a chance to learn more about The Global Epicenter of Mobility and will outline the grant’s goals of enhancing Michigan’s position as a leader in mobility innovation. It will highlight the grant’s support for cutting-edge mobility solutions and economic development, what has been accomplished, and what lies ahead. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
Option #2: Presentation: AI in Automotive
- Alex Oyler, Director, North America | SBD Automotive
In a special presentation on artificial intelligence (AI) trends, challenges, and benefits in the automotive industry, explore the latest advancements in AI technologies such as autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and enhanced in-car experiences. The presentation will address the key challenges faced in integrating AI, including safety concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the need for robust data infrastructure. Additionally, it will highlight the significant benefits AI brings to the automotive sector, such as improved safety, operational efficiency, and personalized customer experiences. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the current state and future potential of AI in revolutionizing the automotive industry. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
Breakout Session #3
11:25 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Option #1: Fleet Transformation: Paving the Road to Sustainable Mobility
- Mark Hope, President | EAVX
- Sherri Irwin, C.P.A. | State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget
- Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Director | MEDC Office of Future Mobility & Electrification
Headwinds and tailwinds of transitioning fleets at the commercial, city, state, and federal levels to meet environmental goals and mandates.
Option #2: How Colleges and Universities are Shaping the Future of Mobility
- Nick Moroz, Director of Entrepreneurial Practice | University of Michigan
- Alison Petersen, Director of Mobility Initiatives | Washtenaw Community College
- Mohamad Qatu, Dean of GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology | Eastern Michigan University
- Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships & Economic Impact | Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan
- Brandon Tucker, Executive Vice President for Instruction, Chief Workforce Development Officer | Washtenaw Community College
In a panel conversation highlighting Washtenaw County’s colleges and universities’ role in shaping the future of mobility, academic leaders and experts in entrepreneurial practice will discuss innovative research, educational programs, and partnerships driving advancements in mobility. Topics will include collaborations with local industries, research initiatives in autonomous and electric vehicles and sustainable transportation, and the impact of academic insights on policy and technology development. The conversation will emphasize how these institutions contribute to workforce development, foster innovation hubs, and prepare students for careers in the evolving mobility sector, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the region’s mobility landscape. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A.
Networking Lunch
12:10 p.m. –1:00 p.m.
Fireside Chat: The Power of Collaboration
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
- Alan Amici, President and CEO | Center for Automotive Research
- Jeff Gilbert, Automotive Reporter | WWJ Newsradio 950
Alan Amici, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research, and Jeff Gilbert, Automotive Reporter at WWJ Newsradio 950 will explore the power of collaboration in the automotive and mobility sectors. The discussion will cover the significance of partnerships, showcase successful collaborative projects, address challenges such as resource allocation and regulatory alignment, highlight emerging trends and future opportunities, and emphasize the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation and progress in mobility for Michigan.
Closing Remarks
1:50 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sarah Cicotte, Mobility Director | Ann Arbor SPARK
- Janis Seabolt, Mobility Specialist | Ann Arbor SPARK
- Ben Ernst, Talent Programs Manager | Ann Arbor SPARK
Mobility Summit Speakers
Alan Amici
President and CEO
Center for Automotive Research (CAR)
Alan joined CAR after a 35+ year career with Chrysler and TE Connectivity, holding a variety of positions in engineering, manufacturing, and service. His roles at TE include
- VP & CTO, Transportation Solutions
- VP Engineering, Automotive Americas
Highlights of his tenure at Chrysler include:
- Head of Global Uconnect – Infotainment and Connected Car Platform
- Head of Electrical/Electronics Engineering (Torino, Italy & Auburn Hills, Michigan)
- Senior Manager, Global Service & Parts (Stuttgart, Germany)
Alan is the owner of two patents and is the recipient of the Walter P. Chrysler Technology Award. He holds an MBA, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He currently serves on the Board of Advisors at Penn State Harrisburg and the Department of Industrial Engineering at Wayne State University. He is a graduate of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering.
Alan Amici
CAR
Rose Bellanca, WCC
President and CEO
Washtenaw Community College
Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., is in her 14th year as President and CEO of Washtenaw Community College. The college enrolls more than 20,000 students annually, offers more than 135 programs to prepare students for high-demand, high-skill careers and is the top transfer school to the University of Michigan. A forward thinker, Dr. Bellanca has overseen development of initiatives such as the Advanced Transportation Center and WCC’s participation as the only community college in the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation. The college’s new Electric Vehicle/Mobility programs educate and train EV service technicians and EV charging station technicians. A new EV battery lab is expected to open in early winter 2025. WCC is also partnering with the state on semiconductor education efforts to advance the electrification of the automotive industry.
Dr. Bellanca has more than 20 years of executive leadership in higher education. Prior to coming to Washtenaw Community College, she served as the President of Northwood University’s West Palm Beach Campus, the President of St. Clair Community College and the Provost of Macomb Community College. She is the fourth president to lead Washtenaw Community College since its inception in 1965.
Rose Bellanca, Ed.D.
WCC
Jeff Gilbert
Automotive Reporter
WWJ Newsradio 950
Jeff Gilbert is the automotive reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950 in Detroit, and the CBS Radio Network. A fifty-year radio veteran, and a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, Jeff covers all aspects of the auto industry from product, to labor, to earnings to new technology. His “Car Chronicles” reports have been a fixture of WWJ’s broadcasts for more than 25 years. They are also run on other CBS Radio Network stations. Prior to being assigned exclusively to the Auto Beat in 2005, Jeff covered a variety of breaking news stories ranging from the 1987 crash of Northwest Flight 255 in Detroit, to the activities of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. He’s won hundreds of awards, including the prestigious National Headliner Award for Consistently Outstanding Reporting. Jeff’s been with WWJ since 1990. Before that, he worked at various radio stations in Michigan, Pennsylvania and California. He’s married to Dr. Cheryl Kovalski, an Oncologist/Hematologist with the Karmanos Cancer Center, and is the father of Dr. Christopher Gilbert, a Neurology resident in Grand Rapids.
Jeff Gilbert
WWJ Newsradio 950
Farai Gundan
Founder
Bhadala
Farai Gundan is an emerging leader in mobility, fintech and sustainability. A 2024 Echoing Green Fellowship Finalist and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Ms. Gundan exemplifies visionary leadership in technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
In 2019, Ms. Gundan demonstrated her expertise in fintech and emerging markets by successfully leading the South African expansion of Flutterwave, a fintech unicorn. Currently, she is the founder of Bhadala, an innovative startup operating at the intersection of fintech, mobility, and climate. This venture embodies her commitment to transformative innovation in emerging markets.
Her academic achievements include a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, where she was also honored as a Mason Fellow and a Master in Business Administration from Florida A & M University. Ms. Gundan’s insights have reached global audiences through her contributions to notable publications such as Forbes, Essence, and CNN.
Ms. Gundan’s work continues to shape Africa’s technological landscape, driving progress in finance, transportation, and environmental sustainability. Her unique blend of academic excellence, practical experience, and forward-thinking leadership makes her a pivotal figure in the evolution of Africa’s digital economy.
Farai Gundan
Bhadala
Alan Hejl
Founder & Lead Consultant
Spark Access
Alan Hejl (he/him/his) is the founder and lead consultant at Spark Access. With a mission to improve accessibility and disability inclusion across the mobility industry for people with disabilities, Spark Access layers solutions for sparking inclusive innovation across products, services, and employment initiatives to deliver systemic and sustainable change.
Accessibility and removing barriers is a personal passion of his, as he identifies with chronic nerve pain & neurodiversity and has a partner who is paralyzed and a manual wheelchair user. Outside of work, when he isn’t cooking or gardening, Alan serves with the Ferndale Accessibility & Inclusion Advisory Commission for the city of Ferndale, Michigan, serves as a Board Member of Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) and Disability Action, and participates as an active member with Detroit Disability Power. Alan also has an undergraduate degree from Michigan Tech University, certification in Disability Inclusion and Accessible Design from the University of Michigan, and is a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). Alan was formerly in the automotive industry for 14 years between Ford Motor Company and General Motors, where he worked on connectivity, autonomous vehicles, and accessibility.
Alan Hejl
Spark Access
Mark Hope
President
EAVX
Mark has spent nearly 30 years in automotive and commercial vehicle development. He has a proven track record building innovative solutions in the electrification of delivery vehicles, fuel cell power systems and alternative fuel systems. Mark joined JBPCO in 2013 and served as Vice President of Engineering at Morgan Olson. While at Morgan Olson, Mark was responsible for establishing their research and development group and leading their electric-powered, walk-in body initiatives. Mark led the efforts in establishing their strategic partnerships for the United States Post Office Next Generation Delivery Vehicle program and the development of their NGDV prototype body proposal. Mark holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University and a B.A. degree in Physics from the State University of New York at Geneseo.
Mark Hope
EAVX
Scott Hotz, P.E.
Director of Powertrain Engineering Division’s Control Systems Department, Ann Arbor
Southwest Research Institute
Scott Hotz, P.E., is Director of Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Powertrain Engineering Division’s Control Systems Department in the Ann Arbor office. For nearly 25 years, Scott has led and supported multidisciplinary engineering research and development programs, collaborating with other SwRI departments and divisions to benefit the world through innovative science and technology. Scott and his team are currently in phase 2 of an ongoing NEXTCAR project, which aims to reduce vehicular energy consumption by more than 30% using next generation connected and automated vehicle technology.
Scott Hotz
Southwest Research Institute
Sherri Irwin
Director of Office of Support Services
Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget
Sherri is a seasoned senior management executive with over 30 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and internal controls. Since 2017, she has served as the Division Director and Internal Control Officer at the Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) in Lansing, MI. In her role, Sherri leads a team of 180 professionals and manages essential services, including Vehicle and Travel Services, Print and Mailing Services, and Logistics and Operations Support.
In the past year, Sherri has been instrumental in developing the State Fleet Electrification Plan, a key initiative supporting the Governor’s Executive Directive on converting the state fleet.
Outside of her professional achievements, Sherri enjoys camping and playing golf. She is married and has two sons currently attending Michigan State University.
Sherri Irwin, C.P.A.
State of Michigan Department of Technology Management and Budget
Valerie Lefler
Founder and Executive Director
Feonix – Mobility Rising
Valerie Lefler is the Founder and Executive Director of Feonix – Mobility Rising. Ms. Lefler is an international expert in rural transportation, accessibility, and mobility as a service. In just its first six years, Feonix has launched programs in 10 states with notable partners, including the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, Easterseals, Ford Philanthropy, the AARP Office of Driver Safety, Toyota North America, Centene Corporation, and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Lefler was featured by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the “Top 9 Innovators to Watch” and has also been highlighted in the New York Times, NPR, and the Christian Science Monitor. Valerie graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration after studying International Economics abroad at the University of Oxford. She also received her master’s degree with honors in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Management from the University of Nebraska—Omaha.
Valerie Lefler
Feonix – Mobility Rising
Jim Lollar
Test Facilities Manager
Mcity
Jim Lollar is the Test Facilities Manager at Mcity, a leading autonomous and connected vehicle test facility and makerspace at the University of Michigan. With extensive expertise in managing complex operations, Jim is responsible for safely and efficiently operating daily advanced mobility tests. He brings to the job more than two decades of leadership experience in the military, including the U.S. Marines, U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army, which he served as a warrant officer leading uncrewed aviation units. Before joining Mcity in November 2021, Jim worked at Quantum Signal AI, a Michigan-based engineering firm specializing in mobility solutions. Jim’s current focus is Mcity’s evolution as a highly automated proving ground available for remote use by researchers nationwide using digital infrastructure funded by the National Science Foundation.
Jim Lollar
Mcity
Nick Moroz
Director of Entrepreneurial Practice
University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship
As Director of Entrepreneurial Practice, Nick manages and teaches in the Entrepreneurs Leadership Program, Global Treks, and the Perot Jain TechLab series. Nick is an experienced innovator and entrepreneur of manufacturing and advanced materials technologies and has often played the role of technical founder. He is driven by his dedication to sharing his entrepreneurial experiences with students and startups to benefit the greater entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Previously, he co-founded Detroit Materials and helped develop a patented portfolio of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) structural steels for demanding applications in the automotive, defense, off-highway, tooling, and transportation industries. Prior to Detroit Materials, Nick co-founded CSquared Innovations, a University of Michigan advanced battery and materials manufacturing spin-off. Nick co-invented the patented CSquared manufacturing technologies. Nick is a graduate of Albion College where he focused on physics and math, and later earned 4 degrees from U-M finishing his doctorate in Materials Science Engineering in 2016.
Nick also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Plymouth. He was elected to the City Commission in 2017, served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2019-2021, and as Mayor from 2021-2023. He’s very proud to be part of the team that has effectively led Plymouth through major updates to our utilities and infrastructure, successful millage proposals, master plans, and the recent pandemic.
Alex Oyler
Director, North America
SBD Automotive
Alex Oyler guides SBD Automotive’s presence in North America, working with the most important companies throughout the mobility ecosystem, including manufacturers, tech companies, and suppliers. He previously managed and continues to contribute to the SBD Automotive software-defined vehicle and cloud computing consulting domains, establishing the company as an industry thought leader in the broader technology ecosystem powering the next generation of transportation.
Alex began his career as a developer and solutions architect at Sprint after receiving his computer science degree from the University of Kansas. Alex currently resides in Ann Arbor MI after previous stints in Nagoya, Japan and Kansas City.
Alex Oyler
SBD Automotive
Alison Petersen
Director of Mobility Initiatives
Washtenaw Community College
As the Director of Mobility Initiatives at Washtenaw Community College, Alison engages employers in the mobility space to understand workforce needs, and works to prepare students and existing workforce to create pathways that lead to careers in the fields of mobility as well as emerging technologies within the advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Before joining WCC, Alison was with Ann Arbor SPARK where she worked to advise, support, and accelerate the growth and scaling of mobility companies within the Ann Arbor region. She also curated events, discussions, blog pieces, and more to educate the community about the mobility industry.
Prior to joining SPARK, Alison worked for three startups in the mobility space, as well as many years in publishing and advertising.
Alison Petersen
Washtenaw Community College
Konner Petz
Senior Mobility Strategist
Mayor’s Office of Mobility Innovation, City of Detroit
Konner Petz is a Senior Mobility Strategist with the Mayor’s Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit. He has many forms of experience working with and leading innovative projects in the municipal world ranging from automated vehicles to robotics projects to policy development that can lead to a better quality of life for Detroiters. Konner has a formal education with a Masters of Urban Planning, Bachelors of Environmental Science, and 6 years of experience working in the public sector for organizations such as the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, and most recently the City of Detroit.
Konner Petz
City of Detroit
Melanie Piana
Program Director
Regional Transit Authority SE Michigan
Melanie Piana is an award-winning urban strategist and community leader who advances inclusive, equitable, and resilient community change. Melanie has over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit leader advancing city and neighborhood revitalization, climate resiliency, transportation advocacy, affordable housing, and supporting regional cooperation and collaboration. She has experience in nonprofit start-ups and program initiatives, incubating redevelopment programs to scale, and a knack for building partnerships that bring value to emerging community opportunities.
Melanie is the former Mayor and City Councilmember of Ferndale, Michigan. During her 14-year elected public service, she championed progressive local government policies and government innovation to create a more inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient city. Leading through the Great Recession and the 2020 Pandemic, she championed continuous improvements to city services, such as 21st Century Community Policing, community engagement, and downtown revitalization strategies.
As Mayor, Melanie represented Ferndale on the National League of Cities Transportation and Infrastructure Services Committee and was a member of ICLEI’s Race to Zero, Climate Mayors, and Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. In 2018-2019, she served as the Board of Trustees President for the globally recognized Michigan Municipal League. She championed the first-ever paid parental leave policy for a city in Michigan to retain and attract workers, supported priority-based budgeting to make understanding local budgets easier, and led anti-racism initiatives. Her leadership resulted in the first mobility safety improvement project with bike lanes, transit stop improvements, and traffic calming on an 8-lane state-owned highway, Woodward Avenue.
Melanie is a graduate of Albion College with a B.A. in Communications and German and holds a Master’s in Urban Planning from Wayne State University. She has been a certified Project Manager Professional from the Project Management Institute for 20 years. She was awarded a Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Executive Public Leadership certificate in March 2023. She was certified as a climate change practitioner by the Association of Climate Change Officers in 2020.
Melanie Piana
Regional Transit Authority SE Michigan
Mohamad Qatu
Dean of the College of Technology
Eastern Michigan University
Mohamad Qatu, Ph.D, is the Dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology (GACET) at Eastern Michigan University. His College houses over 2000 undergraduate students, 250 masters students, and 30 PhD students, as well as more than 60 full-time faculty and 40 part-time lecturers. The GACET has a diverse set of programs in engineering, engineering technology, construction, aviation, information assurance, and many others. He served as the Director of the School of Engineering and Technology at Central Michigan University, and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University and other schools. He also held senior engineering positions for Dresser Industries, Dana Corporation, and mostly at Ford Motor Company for approximately 14 years. He received his MS and PhD from the Ohio State University in 1986 and 1989; respectively. His main research interests are automotive, composite structures, and vibrations. He is the Editor-In-Chief of the International Journal of Vehicle Noise and Vibration and is on the editorial board of many journals. He is the author or co-author of more than 100 research publications, in addition to four books and two patents. He is a recipient of several academic awards from various international universities as well as many from the industry. He is a frequently cited scholar with more than 5000 citations in scholarly Journals and publications. He has been a keynote speaker at many national and international events and is well-recognized for his academic leadership, scholarly research, and industrial management skills. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD).
Dr. Mohamad Qatu
Eastern Michigan University
Reuben Sarkar
President & CEO
American Center for Mobility
Reuben Sarkar serves as the President and CEO for the American Center for Mobility (ACM) where he oversees ACM’s 500-acre Global Development Center focused on advancing safe, sustainable, and secure mobility technologies. He has more than twenty-five years of experience in sustainable mobility & energy in corporate, government, non-profit, advisory, investor, and entrepreneurial roles. He holds both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering, as well as an MBA with high distinction, all from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Reuben Sarkar
American Center for Mobility
Kelly Sexton
Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships & Economic Impact
Innovation Partnerships, University of Michigan
As Associate Vice President for Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact, Kelly works closely with the Vice President for Research as well as other leaders across the university to provide visionary and strategic leadership of U-M’s innovation, corporate research and technology commercialization activities, including overseeing Innovation Partnerships. In this role, she supports and encourages university-wide programs for intellectual property development, innovation and engagement with business and venture communities in the region, across the nation and around the globe.
Prior to her arrival at U-M in 2018, Kelly was the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Technology Commercialization and New Ventures at North Carolina State University, where she served as principal investigator for an NSF I-Corps site and co-founded an alumni angel investor network to provide a new source of funding for university startups and spinouts.
Kelly holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology from the University of California, San Diego where she was supported by a fellowship from the California Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Kelly completed her postdoctoral studies at Stanford University where she was awarded a fellowship from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Kelly serves as co-chair of the U-M Roundtable on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, on the Board of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, and as Vice Chair of the Ann Arbor SPARK Board of Directors.
Kelly Sexton
University of Michigan Innovation Partnerships
Kathryn Snorrason
Vice President and Associate Chief Mobility Officer
Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification
Kathryn Snorrason is the Vice President and Associate Chief Mobility Officer at the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME). Kathryn is responsible for leading the office’s work across state government, academia and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing mobility and electrification policies, supporting the startup and scale up of emerging technologies and businesses, and building the electrified, sustainable mobility infrastructure of the future. Kathryn previously worked for World Business Chicago, Kiva and Deloitte Consulting. Kathryn graduated from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a minor in Community Action and Social Change (CASC).
Kathryn Snorrason
Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification
Bernard Swiecki
Vice President of Mobility and Research
Detroit Regional Partnership, Global Epicenter of Mobility
Bernard Swiecki is Vice President of Mobility and Research for the Detroit Regional Partnership (DRP), a leading economic development nonprofit serving the 11-county Detroit Region. In this role, he oversees industry and research work for the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM) as the Detroit Region works to retain and expand its global mobility and automotive leadership through a world-class advanced mobility industry sector.
Swiecki leads automotive and mobility research efforts in support of GEM as it enables the Detroit Region’s existing mobility ecosystem to become better connected, smarter, more inclusive, and quickly adapt to change. In addition to spearheading research to guide GEM’s six regional projects, Swiecki will work with the entire industry supply chain from OEMs and suppliers to startups as they collectively adapt to rapid technology and industry changes.
Prior to joining the DRP, Swiecki served as the senior director of research and director of the Automotive Communities Partnership (ACP) at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). A sought-after expert in the field, Swiecki has written and managed research in a diverse array of automotive fields pertaining to automaker/supplier relationships, industry electrification, and other critical issues. He has also led trade missions to China, Italy, India, and Russia.
PAST EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
- Senior Director of Research, Center for Automotive Research
- Director, Automotive Communities Partnership, Center for Automotive Research
- Director of Research, Center for Automotive Research
- Assistant Director, Business Group, Center for Automotive Research
- Senior Project Manager, Center for Automotive Research
- Master of Science in Information Systems, Eastern Michigan University
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Member, Society of Automotive Analysts
- Member, Society of Automotive Engineers
- Former Member, Eastern Michigan District Export Council, U.S. Department of Commerce
Bernard Swiecki
Global Epicenter of Mobility
Dr. Missy Stults
Sustainability and Innovations Director
City of Ann Arbor
Dr. Missy Stults is the Sustainability and Innovations Director for the City of Ann Arbor. In this role, she works with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to achieve a just transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, as outlined in the A 2 ZERO Carbon Neutrality Plan. Prior to joining the City, Missy worked with cities and tribal communities around the nation to advance their climate and sustainability goals, including during her time as the Climate Director at ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability and as a consultant to philanthropic organizations. Missy has a PhD in urban resilience from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology and Environmental Science from the University of New England.
Missy Stults, PhD
City of Ann Arbor
Dr. Brandon Tucker
Executive Vice President for Instruction, Chief Workforce Development Officer
Washtenaw Community College
Dr. Brandon Roderick Tucker, a United States Air Force veteran, is the Interim Vice President for Instruction and Chief Economic, Workforce and Community Development Officer at WCC overseeing the college’s strategy to connect with industry partners to advance the talent pipeline in Southeastern Michigan.
Brandon has received numerous awards for his service to the community and contributions to the profession of Workforce Development including the Emerging Leader Award (AA Legacy Project), the 2011 Edward Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum (University of Toledo Alumni Association), 20 Under 40 Award (Toledo Business Journal), and 40 Under 40 (Crains’ Business Detroit).
Brandon proudly serves the community through membership on the boards of United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Ann Arbor YMCA, and Girls Group. Brandon was recently appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce to the Industrial Advisory Committee which is advising the federal government on strategies to address the semiconductor shortage through CHIPS ACT funding.
He holds a Bachelors of Arts in HR Management, Master of Organizational Leadership and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education.
Brandon is happily married to Tia Nicole and the father to daughter, Layla Grace and son, Aiden Bradford.
Dr. Brandon Tucker
Washtenaw Community College
Charlie Tyson
Technology Activation Director
MEDC Office of Future Mobility & Electrification
Charlie Tyson is the Technology Activation Director for Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility & Electrification (OFME). Launched in early 2020, the office works across state government, academia, and private industry to enhance Michigan’s mobility ecosystem, including developing dynamic mobility and electrification policies and supporting the startup and scale up of emerging technologies and businesses.
In his role, Charlie develops and nurtures relationships with key mobility and technology stakeholders, including corporates, startups, investors, academia, municipalities, and government agencies. Through his work with OFME, Charlie connects emerging mobility companies to Michigan’s advanced transportation industry through testing and pilot opportunities, matchmaking engagements, and public-private partnerships.
As OFME’s Technology Activation Director, Charlie plays an integral role in the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, a grant program to assist local and global companies in deploying, validating, and scaling their technology addressing challenges related to the movement of people and goods by air, land, or water. In addition to curating real-world deployments addressing industry and community mobility challenges, Charlie oversees OFME’s network of test site partners who offer key capabilities to prove out early-stage technologies.
Charlie Tyson
MEDC Office of Future Mobility and Electrification
Shelby Winkler
Senior Vice President of Programs & Operations
Cavnue
Shelby Winkler is the Senior Vice President of Programs and Operations at Cavnue, where she oversees Program Management and Technology Operations, ensuring the delivery of safe, cost effective, and scalable solutions. With over 25 years of experience in engineering and program management, Shelby has successfully driven products from concept to launch and beyond. Over the course of her career, she has delivered safety critical automotive and healthcare and iconic consumer electronic products—most notably including the Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad. Her extensive experience eventually led her to Apple’s Special Projects Group, where she focused on advancing autonomous systems with a strong emphasis on safety. Winkler obtained her B.A.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is also a certified Professional Engineer of Ontario.
Shelby Winkler
Cavnue
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