Home > About LEAP > Our Team

Our Team

 

Robert L. Trezise, Jr.

President & CEO

Prior to joining Lansing Economic Area Partnership as President & CEO, Bob Trezise was President and CEO of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), as well as manager of both the Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) and the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (LBRA) for six years. Bob completely re-organized the LEDC into a dynamic organization, resulting in 50 historic achievements for the city in economic development and approximately 5,000 private sector jobs.  He led the effort to rehabilitate scores of abandoned buildings including the long vacant Power Station plant in downtown on the riverfront into the new national corporate headquarters for Accident Fund, all totaling over $600 million in private investment. During this time, Bob also became the interim manager for the Principle Shopping District and re-organized that agency into a Main Street organization. Bob also oversaw the development of Mayor Bernero’s nationally recognized Linking Lansing and "U" program, linking Michigan State University and the knowledge class with the city as well as creating other innovative programming.

Bob was hired in 2001 Michigan Economic Development Corporation to create the state’s first downtown/community development department called the Community Assistance Team (CATeam). This team created strategic economic development plans for communities and also packaged urban tools and incentives, especially the brownfield program, for specific city projects.  During his tenure at the state, Bob also created and operated the Michigan Main Street program and the BluePrints for Michigan’s Downtowns.

Prior to that, Bob spent two years as the Vice President for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, running their privately funded economic development and marketing program called Capital Choice. This program represented the Ingham, Eaton and Clinton county region. During this tenure, Bob played a leadership role with the Retain GM Quick Response Team effort and created the Capital Area Response Team (CARTeam), designed to accommodate GM and future suppliers locating to the region.

Bob started his career with Delta Township, a major township to the immediate west of Lansing, starting and operating their economic development program, landing many industrial plants. During that time Bob was recognized by the Lansing Chamber as the "Small Business Advocate of the Year" and was President of the Regional Economic Development Team (REDTeam).

Bob is proud to say that he grew up in the city, graduating from the Lansing Public Schools before receiving his Bachelors degree from James Madison College (Michigan State University) and his graduate degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. Bob has volunteered for many committees including the WKAR public radio and TV Board of Advisors, the James Madison College Board of Visitors and the Greater Lansing Arts Council. Bob also served a year on the Editorial Advisory Board for the Lansing State Journal. In 2000, Bob was recognized by the Lansing State Journal as one of the "100 People to Watch in the 21st Century".

To contact Bob:
517.999.9031
517.702. 3387 ext. 202
bob@purelansing.com

Tedi R. Parsons, CCC, CEC, CPC

Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

Tedi R. Parsons comes to LEAP bringing over 15-years of professional experiences with a strong background in human resources, operations and top level executive support, including holding positions as Vice-President of Operations & Human Resources, Sr. Executive Assistant, Facilities/Operations Manager, and Executive Administrator.   He received his certification in Purchasing & Procurement after attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison, School of Business.  Additionally, he holds designations as a Certified Career Coach (CCC), Certified Executive Coach (CEC) and Certified Professional Coach (CPC), including certifications in facilities management, ergonomics and human resources. 

Currently, Tedi serves on the Education Committee and Race for the Cure team for the Susan G Komen – West Michigan Affiliate.  He also provides his time and service at the Women’s Resource Center (Grand Rapids, MI), creating and providing specialized career service programs for their clients.  Additionally, he provides assistance and direction for several community projects and nonprofits throughout the region.

To contact Tedi:
517.999.9033
517.702.3387 ext. 204
tedi@purelansing.com

 

Sara Graham

Talent & Communications Director

Sara Graham serves as the Talent & Communications Director within the New Economy Divison of LEAP. In this role, Sara is responsible for working closely with the state and our regional partners to assist our region in becoming a welcoming community for the talented workforce we currently have and are striving to attract. In addition to this, Ms. Graham serves as the communications person for LEAP, working to tell our region’s story first, to ourselves, then beyond, to the state, nation and globe. Prior to this position, Sara served as the MultiMedia Marketing Specialist for LEAP working to develop a brand for LEAP through the web, social media and print materials.

Before joining Leap in 2010, Sara worked as a Social Media Manager for Gammet Interactive, where she gained extensive knowledge of digital marketing and social media since her graduation in 2008. She received her BA from The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University. Sara is currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design from Lansing Community College.

To contact Sara:
517.999.9038
517.702.3387 ext. 209
sara@purelansing.com

Marchelle Smith

Controller

Marchelle Smith is multi-talented bringing almost 12 years of downtown revitalization expertise and over 22 years of high-level business management experience.  Marchelle keeps everything running seamlessly at the Lansing Economic Development Corporation, whether it is managing the organization’s complicated financial reporting and operations or pioneering and spearheading a Downtown Design Committee targeted towards revitalization efforts. 

Marchelle has been responsible for implementing and administering several programs including Revolving Business Loan Programs, Arts and Culture Sense of Place Grant programming,  Downtown Façade Improvement Grant program, a Business Sign Grant Pilot program and an Arts & Culture Matching Loan Fund program to name a few.  She has led the way in the utilization of the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone program for the construction and rehabilitation of several housing developments throughout the city.  Marchelle excels at every project at hand and takes the necessary steps to launch projects successfully.  She has been active on several committees and is constantly involved in volunteer work.  Outside of the office, Marchelle loves watching sunsets, enjoys visiting harbor towns, golfing and spending time with her husband, Michael.

To contact Marchelle:
517.999.9030
517.702.3387 ext. 201
marchelle@purelansing.com

Jeff Smith

Co-Director, New Economy Division

Jeff Smith serves as Co-Director of the New Economy Division for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).  In this role, Jeff establishes and extends programming for Startups, Placemaking, and Talent in the Lansing Region.  Prior to joining LEAP, Jeff Smith spent the last 4 years as Project Manager for New Economy Initiatives for the City of East Lansing, as well as staff of the Lansing Regional Smartzone.   In these roles, Jeff helped develop the operations and management programs for the Technology Innovation Center and the Hatch Student Business Incubator.

Prior to working with the City of East Lansing, Jeff spent 4 years as a Senior Analyst with Anderson Economic Group, conducting real estate market studies and feasibility studies for developers and communities across the state and nation.  Jeff is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, earning both a Bachelors in Telecommunications and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning.

To contact Jeff:
517.999.9032
517.702.3387 ext. 203
jeff@purelansing.com

Ken Szymusiak

Co-Director, New Economy Division

Ken Szymusiak serves as Co-Director of the New Economy Division at LEAP. In this capacity Ken oversees the use of economic development programs and tools to facilitate job creation and growth within the region’s entrepreneurial community.  Prior to joining LEAP Ken served as Director of Business Investment and Innovation at the City of Lansing Economic Development Corporation where his work in real estate investment and business expansion programs resulted in millions of dollars of private investment in the city. Ken was also involved in a number of different economic development initiatives on a wide variety of topics including management of the city’s EB-5 Regional Center international investment program, the development of a small business loan fund, and the creation of the Next Michigan Development Corporation (“Aerotropolis”) at the Capital Region International Airport.

Ken holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, and is recognized as a Certified Economic Development Professional (CEcD) with the International Economic Development Council.

Ken is also involved with numerous community boards and organizations including serving as Secretary of the Board at the Lansing Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC), Chair of the Business Development Committee at Downtown Lansing, Inc., and a Member of the Economic Development & Land Use Committee at the Michigan Municipal League.