Ann Arbor SPARK Fills Key Positions, Announces Promotions

ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force of business attraction and expansion and entrepreneurial activity in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and the surrounding region, recently added five to its team and also promoted two of its staff.  The new hires are: Britany Affolter-Caine, Ph.D., director, talent; Lukas Bonner, vice president, business development; Donna Doleman, vice president, marketing, communications and talent; Maricatharine Eggenberger, events manager; and Erin Wiley, executive assistant.  Skip Simms was promoted to Ann Arbor SPARK senior vice president and Emily Heintz was promoted to accounting manager.

"Ann Arbor SPARK's important work in our region is achieved through the talented staff that supports the organization's mission and its efforts to create economic opportunity," said Paul Krutko, president and CEO.  "This talented group of new hires fill key positions within the organization, and bring with them the extensive experience and energy to make Ann Arbor SPARK's goals a reality.  It was my top priority as the new CEO to recruit the very best and put them to work on behalf of stakeholders to create jobs and capital investment in the Ann Arbor region."

In her role, Affolter-Caine is responsible for the organization's talent attraction and enhancement efforts for the region.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, she served as a consultant to the non-profit sector, where her work focused on strategic planning and policy research. Affolter-Caine earned a masters degree in secondary education, economics, from Wright State University and a doctor of philosophy degree in higher education policy and organizational behavior from the University of Michigan.

Bonner, who will lead Ann Arbor SPARK's efforts to attract and expand businesses in the region, has extensive economic development experience.  He previously served as economic development manager for the city of Sterling Height, Mich., and as a development specialist for the city of Taylor, Mich.   Bonner earned a masters degree in liberal studies, public administration, from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Michigan.  He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Donna Doleman will oversee all aspects of Ann Arbor SPARK's marketing, communications and talent efforts.  Prior to joining the organization, she owned DLA Group, a business and strategic marketing consulting firm, and had served as director of marketing, Michigan region, for Pfizer, Inc.  Doleman earned a bachelors of science degree in health care administration from Florida A&M University and a masters degree in business administration from State University of New York at Buffalo.  She serves on the board of directors for Health Centers Detroit and the Lamaze Family Center. 

Eggenberger will work closely with the Regional Incubator Network to support its business attraction and expansion events.  She graduated from Alma College with a bachelor of arts degree in April.  Eggenberger's previous experience includes interning for Ann Arbor SPARK, as a marketing coordinator, May through September 2010.  While at Alma College, she was a resident assistant her sophomore, junior and senior years.

In her role, Wiley is executive assistant to president and CEO Paul Krutko and oversees administrative functions within Ann Arbor SPARK's headquarters and providing support as needed to its Regional Incubator Network.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, she served as the office manager for the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.  Wiley has extensive event planning experience, including as a catering director for University of Michigan's Michigan Unions.  She is currently a student at Washtenaw Community College.  

Simms previously served as Ann Arbor SPARK's vice president, entrepreneurial business development.  In this new role, he will maintain those responsibilities and take on a greater role in the organization's strategy and direction supporting the CEO.  Heintz previously served as staff accountant.  In her new role, she will assume additional accounting and finance responsibilities.  

ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.

SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK