CapCon 2022 Program FLIPPING BOOK

Suzanne Perreault Manager, Small Business Services, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Suzanne Perreault serves as Manager of the Small Business Services team within Community Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. She is responsible for the strategic development, execution, and management of place-based business support activities and technical assistance initiatives across Michigan. These efforts support the creation, growth, and retention of micro and place-based businesses. As a former DDA Executive Director,

Suzanne spent nearly 10 years working in local government and downtown economic development. Prior to joining the MEDC, she served as the Vice President of Mercantile Events & Marketing, an industry leader in retail and consumer-based events headquartered in Flint, Michigan. Suzanne is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Kate Redman Project Director, Commongrounds Cooperative

Kate Redman is project director and co-founder of Commongrounds Cooperative, a community-owned real estate cooperative located in Traverse City. Commongrounds builds real estate to empower its community and create places where people thrive. She is a community enterprise attorney with experience offering legal services to nonprofits, small businesses, and cooperatives.

Herasanna Richards Legislative Associate, State & Federal Affairs, Michigan Municipal League

Herasanna Richards is a legislative associate for the Michigan Municipal League where she advocates on behalf of Michigan communities in the areas of energy, environment, public safety, and elections. Herasanna joined the League in April of 2019. Herasanna previously served as the founding Executive Director of the Detroit Restaurant & Lodging Association, a regional chapter of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. Throughout her career, she developed robust coalitions among small business

owners, crime survivors, returning citizens, local governments and others. In addition, Herasanna has worked and served in leadership roles on both candidate and issue advocacy campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. Herasanna has both a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from Michigan State University. She is also a 2017 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program and a 2019 Front Line Leaders Academy Fellow. Outside of the League, Herasanna serves in various leadership roles for Pope Francis Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities - Detroit, and the Michigan Animal Health Foundation. Originally from Nashville, TN, she lives with her pup and fiancé in Detroit.

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