Ann Arbor Spark Expands Business Development Team, Hires New Staff Accountant

ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force of regional business attraction, retention and expansion, recently added two people to its business development team and a new staff accountant.  Valerie Christofferson was promoted from staff accountant to manager, business development.  C.J. Lee was hired as manager, business development.  Emily Heintz was hired as Ann Arbor SPARK's new staff accountant.

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"Expanding our business development team directly supports Ann Arbor SPARK's core mission to attract and retain businesses in the region," said Michael A. Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK.  "Providing resources and attention to those who want to call the Ann Arbor region home is a key factor in the continued growth of our local economy."  

In her new role, Christofferson will support Ann Arbor SPARK's efforts to attract, retain and expand businesses in the region.  She joined Ann Arbor SPARK in 2008 as its staff accountant and was responsible for financial accounting and internal financial reporting.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, she was a property and accounting manager for a commercial general contracting firm in Dexter, Mich.  Christofferson graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science in business administration.

Lee joins Christofferson on the business development team.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, Lee served on the communications and policy team for the Rick Snyder for Michigan Committee where he was responsible for communications reporting and production as well as policy research.  He recently graduated from the University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, with a master of public policy degree.

Heintz replaces Christofferson as Ann Arbor SPARK's staff accountant.  In this role, she is responsible for accounts receivable and payable, billings, and payroll.  Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, Heintz was on the audit staff of Plante and Moran in Southfield, Mich.  Heintz earned her bachelor and masters of science degrees in accounting from Michigan State University.

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 startups to large organizations.  Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the 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, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the 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