Name: Christopher Girdwood

Position: CEO

Organization: Detroit Region Aerotropolis

Years In Economic Development: 14

Years As A Member of IEDC: 14

What is a podcast or book you recommend?

Will Durant - The Story of Philosophy

What was the first IEDC event you attended?

Strategic Planning Course in Anchorage, Alaska.

Why did you choose to join IEDC?

My first full-time job in economic development was as an IEDC employee!

How has being a member of IEDC benefitted you and/or your organization?

Economic development is a very fluid industry. It changes rapidly based on the tools provided by legislative bodies, or innovative disruptions in the economy. Keeps you on your toes!

What IEDC event do you look forward to attending each year?

Annual Conference. I get to learn about the work my colleagues are doing around the globe. it challenges me to think differently.

Is there a project your organization is currently working on that you are excited about?

Michigan led the nation in building the automotive industry in the 20th Century. Looking to the future, economic development leaders identified advanced air mobility as a tangential, high-value, growth industry to create jobs and drive capital investment in the 21st Century. To become a leader in this emerging industry, leaders from Michigan have announced a series of virtual events to better understand and prepare for the logistical complexities, rigorous safety requirements, and leverage the State’s manufacturing know-how to build the advanced air mobility industry. 

How has your organization adapted to support your community and/or clients during the pandemic?

We are building new public infrastructure between 40 and 400 feet. These urban air mobility corridors will open up new opportunities for small businesses to sell goods and services post-pandemic. 

What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished this year that you are most proud of?

We built the first advanced air mobility corridor next to the 18th busiest airport in North America (Detroit Metro). It's complex and requires rigorous safety protocols, but worth it!

What are some ways you hope you and your organization can continue to support your community and/or clients?

We hope to continue building the infrastructure of the future to recruit inventors and innovators to the region, in addition to helping small businesses reach customers in new ways.

Coffee or Tea?

Coffee

Audio Book or Podcast?

Podcast

Favorite Movie?

Forrest Gump

Night Out or Night In?

Night In

Dress-shoes or Sneakers?

Dress Shoes

What is something you like to do in your free time?

Watch my children (4 years old and 6 years old) play the electric guitar/drums