CapCon 2024 Program

General Session Speakers

Marty Fittante CEO, InvestUP

Marty Fittante has served as the CEO of InvestUP since 2019 and has grown the investment base of the organization by more than 150 percent; secured the only Enhancement Grant given to an economic development organization as part of

the State of Michigan’s 2023 budget, resulting in $15 million being devoted to the region’s strategic priorities; was appointed by the MEDC as the fiduciary of $7.2 million in pandemic assistance grants; and recently helped lead the strategy and advocacy, including building a coalition of 19 state stakeholders, to secure a $200 million state business development incentive that anchored the largest private sector investment ($1.09 billion) ever made in the Upper Peninsula. From the $15 million devoted to the region’s strategic priorities, Marty led the creation and launch of Build U.P., a housing fund to help fast-tract high impact shovel-ready housing projects across the entire U.P. to address the immediate need for housing and to provide the region with a long-term, sustainable fund to solve future housing challenges. Marty was also most recently appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Growing Michigan Together Council as co-chair of the Job, Talent, People workgroup to bring a voice to the issues and opportunities in the U.P., and all rural Michigan, as they advise Governor Whitmer on specific policies to grow Michigan’s population.

Michael Griffie Detroit Metro Leader, AECOM

Michael Griffie is an experienced leader and attorney with a background that crosses sectors, including education, government, nonprofit, and corporate environments. He currently serves as Detroit Metro Leader for AECOM, an

American multinational infrastructure consulting firm. Michael began his career in the classroom as a high school English teacher and became a high school principal five years later. While serving as a principal in Detroit, Michael went to law school in the evenings. Upon completion of his degree, he began practicing law at Butzel Long, one of Michigan’s largest law firms. A recipient of the Super Lawyers Rising Star award, he brings his recognized expertise in the legal field and advocacy to help clients successfully achieve their goals. Michael has also penned several guest columns in the Detroit Free Press on policy and government issues facing Michiganders. In 2022, Michael was a candidate for U.S. Congress in Michigan’s 13th Congressional district.

20