For more than 15 years, Ann Arbor SPARK has served the greater Ann Arbor region as a catalyst for economic development. We accomplish this by building awareness of the region as a destination for business and manufacturing development and growth. Our team of knowledge experts attracts, develops, strengthens, and invests in driving industries to help our communities prosper.
Economic Development requires collaboration, and SPARK is committed to bringing together partners — like the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Works!, city and municipal partners, academic institutions, and others — to support the growth of companies and the creation of jobs.
Mission
Ann Arbor SPARK will advance the economy of the Ann Arbor region by establishing it as a desired place for innovation, business location and growth, and for talented people to live and work. The Ann Arbor region will be recognized for its academic, business, and community resources, and its collaborative culture.
Team
Skip Simms
Senior Vice President
Phil Santer
Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff
Liz Perpich
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Jenn Queen
Senior VP, Marketing, Communications & Events
Bill Mayer
Vice President, Entrepreneurial Services
Mike Flanagan
Vice President, Capital Programs
Kirsten Lyman
Director of Investor Relations
Erin Wiley
Executive Assistant
Lisa Bies
Staff Accountant
Jennifer Olmstead
Director, Business Development
Alex West
Director, Research
Marcia Gebarowski
Director, Business Development Livingston County
Nicholas Joblonski
Livingston County Business Development Manager
Denise Murray
Economic Development Coordinator, Brighton
Tami Salisbury
Development Associate, Livingston County
Angela Flood
American Center for Mobility, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing
Komal Doshi
Director, Mobility Programs
Margarita Hernandez
Director, Entrepreneurial Services
Kristine Nash-Wong
Director of Entrepreneurial Services – SPARK East
Charlotte Dillard
Coordinator, SPARK Central Incubator
Laura Berarducci
Director, Marketing and Communications
Lindsay Thomas
Associate Marketing Director
Joshua Thompson
Digital Marketing and Graphic Design Manager
Vicki Joling
Director, a2Tech360
Carly Toaz
Events Manager
Kayla Oderah
Marketing and Communications Associate
Meet our Board
Ann Arbor SPARK provides valuable and innovative services to our stakeholders and customers, helping meet their challenges in an accelerating dynamic and volatile global economy. As business and community leaders, we are proud advocates of SPARK’s mission. As board members, we support the organization’s pursuit of open source economic development and its engagement in regional and statewide collaboration with public, private, and non-profit partners to advance the Ann Arbor region, southeast Michigan, the State of Michigan, and the nation. 2021-2022 Board of Directors
Investor Info
Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization with a mission to help generate prosperity and growth for its communities through economic development. We do this by providing value and resources to innovative businesses that propel our economy forward. With your support, we can provide more services, build greater awareness, and promote the innovative business culture and entrepreneurial ecosystem that sets our region apart. Support SPARK today.