Featured Event: Keynote and Case Study Competition

October 17, 2024 | 5:00 PM | Recording

Join Us for an Insightful Keynote on the Future of Work in Michigan by Ben Marchionna

The School of Information is pleased to announce an engaging keynote address as part of the UMSI Theme Year on the Future of Work, featuring Ben Marchionna, the State of Michigan’s first-ever Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer. 

Join us as we explore groundbreaking strategies for retaining and attracting top talent in the great state of Michigan.

Event Details:

• Speaker: Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Introduction by Cliff Lampe, UMSI Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

• Date and Time: Thursday, October 17, 2024

• Location: Ehrlicher Room (NQ3100), U-M Campus

Michigan's historical and current industrial and economic conditions play a critical role in attracting and retaining talent within the state. The automotive industry has historically anchored Michigan's economy; this industrial backbone fostered a skilled workforce, robust supply chains, and extensive infrastructure. In recent years, Michigan has further diversified its economic portfolio by investing heavily in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors, further broadening job opportunities. However, attracting and retaining talent in Michigan has been challenging due to economic perceptions tied to declining manufacturing industries, a trend of "brain drain," and the urban-rural divide in job opportunities and amenities. Mr. Marchionna will address how UMSI students can learn about and tackle these challenges while leveraging the state's advantages to help Michigan evolve as a prime destination for a diverse and dynamic workforce.

About Mr. Marchionna: Ben Marchionna is a visionary leader in tech, strategy, and operations with an exceptional track record of fostering collaborative, entrepreneurial teams to tackle the world's toughest innovation challenges. In his current role as Michigan’s first Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer, Ben champions the holistic development of Michigan’s burgeoning innovation economy. His prior achievements include spearheading technology and business development at Electra.aero, a sophisticated startup developing hybrid-electric aircraft; leading global operations at SkySpecs, where he scaled autonomous drones and AI solutions across 26 countries; and stretching the art of the possible in national security innovation at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. Mr. Marchionna’s academic credentials include a B.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and an M.S. in Product Development Engineering from the University of Southern California. 

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of work and talent management in Michigan from a leader who has consistently driven innovation across various high-tech industries. Mr. Marchionna’s talk will be a cornerstone of the UMSI Future of Work Case Study Competition, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the strategies that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.