Reopening the Economy (virtual)

Reopening the Economy

Wednesday, May 20

We've heard your requests to learn more about how companies are thinking through key elements of reopening. Join us for a panel discussion that will focus on the reopening of the economy and the business leaders who are on the front lines making key decisions for companies of all sizes in Michigan.

Brian Calley

President, Small Business Association of Michigan

Brian joined SBAM, which represents more than 27,000 small businesses, in 2019 after serving eight years as Michigan’s lieutenant governor. He leads SBAM’s lobbying and communications efforts. Before becoming lieutenant governor, Brian was a state representative, an Ionia County commissioner, and worked for more than a decade in community banking. Much of his public policy work centered around inclusion for all Michiganders, regardless of the challenges they face, to live a self-determined, independent life. To read more about Brian click here.

Heather Rivard

Deputy Incident Commander for DTE's Pandemic Response

Heather Rivard is deputy incident commander for DTE's pandemic response and senior vice president of Distribution Operations for DTE Energy. Heather is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s electrical system, including system and reliability planning, new customer connections, electrical engineering, construction, tree trimming and emergency responsiveness. She is leading the company’s multi-year plan to upgrade the energy grid to improve the quality of power our customers receive, positively impact Michigan’s economy, and prepare communities for the future with safe, reliable and affordable energy. Heather has been at DTE Energy for more than 25 years. She has held a variety of leadership positions across Distribution Operations throughout her career. In addition, she has served in other areas of DTE such as strategic planning, customer service, procurement, warehousing, fleet and facilities operations. Prior to joining the company in 1993, Rivard worked in the aerospace engineering industry. To read more about Heather click here.

Kiersten Robinson

Chief Human Resources Officer, Ford Motor Company

Kiersten Robinson is Ford Motor Company’s chief human resources officer. Kiersten oversees all global people processes including talent management, workforce planning, learning and development, recruiting, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits, and the dealer policy board. As the senior leader and corporate officer overseeing people processes globally, Kiersten ensures the development and execution of business strategies that reflect the global business environment, customer and market needs. She reports to Jim Hackett, Ford president and CEO. Before being appointed to this role, Robinson served as Ford’s interim Human Resources leader, assuming the position in November 2017 after having served as executive director, Human Resources, Global Markets. Robinson joined the automaker in 1995 as a labor relations representative in Ford of Australia and quickly rose through the ranks, serving in the first of several international assignments in 1997 with the Ford of Europe manufacturing organization. To read more about Kiersten click here.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, May 20th

Time: 3:20 - 4:30 p.m. 

          3:20-3:30 p.m. Participants log-in

          3:30-4:30 p.m. Program 

Place: Virtual link will be sent to those who register 24 hours before the event. 

Tickets: Free. Attendance limited to first 1,000.