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James Arthur Jemison, who uses his middle name as his first, moves in three months from the mayor's executive team to the top post at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.
His appointment as president and chief executive is announced by board chair James Vella, who says Jemison was picked from among "local and national candidates with proven success in economic revitalization."
Arthur Jemison ""Our city is on a trajectory of prosperity."
The Massachusetts native, who has a master's degree in urban planning, became Detroit's housing and revitalization director in September 2014
"I'm honored to lead the DEGC at such a critical moment," Jemison says in a statement. "Our city is on a trajectory of prosperity and economic leadership fueled by business development. . . .
"I will continue our focus on creating opportunities for local business owners, entrepreneurs and residents that allow every Detroiter to be part of the city’s success."
DEGC's leadership has been open since March, when Roderick Miller left "to pursue other opportunities," as the cliche goes. He had been in office two years and seven months.
The agency is a nonprofit that works with the city and other partners to support businesses that are here, attract new ones and stimulate investments. Its professionals serve as staff for seven public authorities. The mayor appoints its board members, who then need council approval. DEGC also works directly for Detroit under contract and manages economic development efforts funded by donors.
"Arthur has been critical to our efforts to make sure the city’s revitalization reaches all of our neighborhoods," a news release quotes Mayor Mike Duggan as saying. "He is an outstanding choice."
Jemison earned his advanced degree in 1994 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology after graduating from the University of Massachusetts two years earlier.
