LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Michael Webber on Monday applauded the launch of the Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation (ODAI) within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to attract, retain, and grow investments into the state’s defense and aerospace industry.
“Michigan has a proud legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and this new office will ensure our state continues to be a national leader in this critical mission,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills, who co-chairs the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus. “I commend our legislative, administration, and MEDC leadership for their shared vision and dedication in charging forward to grow our state’s aerospace and defense industry.”
Over the past four years, aerospace and defense employment has grown more than 14% in Michigan — first among the Great Lakes states. Michigan ranked second in the nation with $722 million in defense grant spending, and second among the Great Lakes states — 19th in the nation — with $303.6 million in U.S. Department of Defense research and development-related spending in fiscal year 2022.
“On behalf of the Michigan House of Representatives and the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus, we are proud to build on Michigan’s legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and usher in a new era of industry and national security leadership with the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said state Rep. Donavan McKinney, D-Detroit, who co-chairs the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus. “I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation to bring additional investment and economic development to our great state.”
ODAI will replace the MEDC’s Michigan Defense Center and work to increase awareness of the capabilities of Michigan’s defense and aerospace assets, including the Detroit Arsenal, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and Camp Grayling; help to attract and expand Michigan-based businesses that support Department of Defense-related activities, including growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation and the testing and activation of space-related activities.
“The new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation builds on the momentum of the Michigan Defense Center,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Under Gov. Whitmer’s and our federal delegation’s leadership, and the advocacy of the bipartisan, bicameral legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus, team Michigan will position the state’s policy environment for its next chapter as America’s Arsenal of Democracy. With the defense industry contributing $30 billion to Michigan’s economy and unrivaled National Guard assets like Camp Grayling and cutting-edge university research, the time has never been better for team Michigan to redouble our commitment to this evolving and historically important sector of the state’s economy, thus ensuring we will continue to ‘Make it in Michigan’ while protecting our national security.”
U.S. Marine Corps Ret. Col. John Gutierrez will serve as the ODAI’s first executive director. He began his military career in 1990 and has gained more than 30 years of experience in acquisition, operational, and joint assignments. Gutierrez most recently served as the portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, holds multiple personal, unit, campaign and foreign awards, is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and holds the highest level certifications in program management and contracting.
The 9th Senate District, which includes the Greater Rochester Area, Troy, Sterling Heights and Utica, is a part of the Defense Corridor in Macomb County.
###