KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After controversy in the hiring of its previous CEO, the Southwest Michigan First Board of Directors has selected Jonas R. Peterson, CEcD, to serve as chief executive officer for the regional economic development organization. Peterson’s appointment follows a six-month national search that the organization says prioritized community input and inclusivity.
“After a rigorous national search, Jonas Peterson rose to the top as the individual who most thoroughly embodies the skills, experience and attributes identified by our community as critical for success in this position,” said Southwest Michigan First board member and CEO Search Committee Chair Bill Parfet. “As president and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, he led the start up and explosive growth of what is now the largest nonprofit economic development organization in Nevada and one of the most productive community and economic development organizations in the southwestern United States.”
“Jonas’s credentials are second to none and right for our community,” said Bill Manns, Southwest Michigan First board member and CEO Search Committee member. “The board charged us with identifying an exemplary slate of candidates, and the Southwest Michigan community unequivocally stated they wanted a visionary and inclusive leader with a proven history in economic development and in building partnerships with leaders in business, government and the community. Jonas exceeds all those criteria.”
Several organizations in the Kalamazoo area separated themselves from Southwest Michigan First after it announced the hiring of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its new CEO.
Chatfield, a Republican, had been criticized for policy stances while a legislative leader, such as when he opposed legislation that would expand civil rights protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation in 2019, saying at the time he believed it would infringe on religious freedom. He stepped down from Southwest Michigan First in February 2021.
In April, the board appointed a CEO Search Committee* charged with leading an inclusive process to attract a diverse roster of highly qualified candidates. The committee engaged Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm specializing in economic and community development, to assist with the search.
Southwest Michigan First provides economic development services in a seven county area, which includes Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, Van Buren, and Berrien counties
Prior to joining LVGEA, Peterson served for three years as the president & CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley (CA) Economic Development Corporation, leading the start-up and operations of a public-private partnership to advance the economy in one of California’s fastest growing regions. Before that, he served as director of the Mohave County Community and Economic Development Department in Kingman, Arizona.
Peterson is slated to start at Southwest Michigan First January 5, 2022.
