The State of Economic Development event is more than just a gathering—it’s a powerful platform that highlights the momentum driving our region forward. This year’s event is designed to bring together influential private and public stakeholders for an afternoon of insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies that will shape the future of Southwest Michigan.
As we approach the event, we will gradually reveal the exceptional lineup of changemakers and visionaries who will share their expertise on the economic investments that matter most to your organization and our region.
Jonas Peterson
CEO, Southwest Michigan First
Jonas currently serves as CEO of Southwest Michigan First. In that role, he leads a talented team focused on strengthening the regional economy and positioning SMF as a national leader in economic and community development. Prior to joining SMF, Peterson served as President and CEO of Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA). During his tenure, LVGEA quickly become one of the largest and most influential nonprofit business associations in Nevada.
Dr. Christopher Thornberg
Founder, Beacon Economics
Dr. Thornberg is the founding partner of Beacon Economics and one of the nation’s leading economic forecasters. Known for accurately predicting the 2006 housing market collapse, the Great Recession, and more recently the post-COVID recovery, he has built a reputation for challenging conventional wisdom with data-driven insights. A former UCLA business school professor, Dr. Thornberg now advises private industry, governments, and public agencies worldwide. As a dynamic speaker, he inspires audiences to question popular narratives and focus on the economic realities that matter most.
Erica Orange
Partner, The Future Hunters
Erica is a Partner at The Future Hunters, one of the world’s leading futurist consultancies. With over two decades of experience decoding global trends, she helps business and policy leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity and purpose. Known for transforming complexity into clear, actionable insights, Erica empowers organizations to anticipate change and make confident, future-focused decisions. A dynamic keynote speaker and author of AI + The New Human Frontier: Reimagining the Future of Time, Trust + Truth (Wiley, 2024), she has keynoted over 300 events worldwide, including TEDx. Recognized among the world’s Top 50 Female Futurists, her work has been featured in Wired, NPR, and Bloomberg.
Dr. Andrew Robinson
President and CEO, The Emerge Innovation Hub
Dr. Andrew “Drew” Robinson is a results-driven executive and thought leader in community and economic development with more than 20 years of experience advancing organizational growth, innovation, and social impact. He serves as president and CEO of Mosaic CCDA and The Emerge Innovation Hub, supporting workforce development and the growth of BIPOC-led small businesses across Southwest Michigan. Robinson also teaches business at Cornerstone University and serves on several regional and statewide boards.
A. Elizabeth Bernhard
Executive Director, South Haven Regional Business Hub
Elizabeth Bernhard is the executive director of the South Haven Regional Business Hub, where she is focused on making Southwest Michigan a place where entrepreneurs can start, grow, and thrive. She leads regional efforts to connect small businesses to education, mentorship, capital, and innovation-driven support that fuel long-term economic growth. Previously, Elizabeth served as executive director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance, where she distributed more than $4.6 million in state funding to manufacturers for Industry 4.0 technology adoption. She brings deep experience in ecosystem building, talent development, and cross-sector collaboration, and has strong roots in Kalamazoo through prior roles with Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Urban Alliance.
Phill Swanson
Southwest Michigan First Entrepreneurship Hub
Phill Swanson is a West Michigan native, Western Michigan alum, and loves all things entrepreneurship and innovation. He spent 10+ years in industry at Whirlpool Corporation before moving into early-stage venture capital investment and ecosystem development. He currently leads the strategy and industry engagement practice for Newlab out of their Detroit location and is leading the Southwest Michigan First Entrepreneurship Hub connecting Southwest Michigan founders to the resources they need.
Carl Brown
Executive Director and Cofounder, Startup Zoo
Carl Brown is the executive director and cofounder of Startup Zoo, alongside Ryan Goins. Founded by a group of passionate tech entrepreneurs, Startup Zoo connects entrepreneurs, investors, clients, and communities to catalyze growth across Southwest Michigan. Under Carl’s leadership, the organization has helped fuel some of Kalamazoo’s fastest-growing startups and inspired countless new ideas. A wanderlust-driven business development and growth strategist, Carl studied commercial and advertising art at Oral Roberts University.
Dwayne Powell Jr.
Cofounder, Chief Operations Officer, and Managing Partner at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures
Dwayne Powell Jr. is a co-founder, chief operations officer, and managing partner at Kalamazoo Forward Ventures (KzFV), the largest Black-owned venture capital firm in Michigan, with $50 million under management. With over a decade of experience in economic development, banking, and capital deployment, he has led transformative initiatives in small business growth, minority entrepreneurship, and community investment across Michigan and Indiana. A Western Michigan University graduate, Dwayne serves as board president of Urban Alliance and as a youth minister and executive leader at Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. He is a proud father of three and leads with faith, integrity, and purpose.
