Former Executive Director of State of Michigan’s Office of Performance and Transformation named CEO of Michigan Israel Business Accelerator; Scott W. Hiipakka will build on MIBA successes and expand startupMICHIGAN.tech’s footprint

For the past three years, Hiipakka has held several key positions with the State of Michigan. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the State of Michigan’s Office of Performance and Transformation, where he provided leadership and direction to five departments. Previously, he was the Program Management Director for the Executive Office of the Governor. He also was a Senior Strategic Planner and Advisor with the State of Michigan.

Hiipakka will build on MIBA successes and expand the startupMICHIGAN.tech footprint, an innovative free web platform connecting startups, hubs and funders, which officially launches on May 20, 2019.

MIBA, a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) backed organization, supports the growth of bi-lateral Michigan–Israeli economic and business relationships. MIBA serves as the primary catalyst to leverage the highest value from such relationships by functioning as the central repository of economic and business connection between Michigan and Israel.

“MIBA is a conduit for growing Michigan’s ecosystem,” said Hiipakka. “startupMICHIGAN.tech is an exciting new web platform, managed by MIBA, that has enormous potential moving forward.”

Mark Davidoff, Chairman of MIBA Board said, “Scott is a proven leader. With his vision and passion for moving Michigan forward, MIBA will be positioned for continued and sustainable growth and impact.”

Hiipakka, a resident of Milford, has more than 20 years of operational expertise, business development and program-management experience. Notably, Hiipakka is a Michigan Army National Guard Colonel and currently supervises more than 2,650 people. He has held multiple command and staff positions with service in conventional and special operations forces as well as in the Michigan National Guard.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising, Distinguished Military Graduate from Michigan State University. Hiipakka received a Master’s degree in Professional Studies–Homeland Security from Penn State University. He earned his Master in Strategic Studies degree as an Honors Graduate at the United States Army War College.

Hiipakka is a Commissioner, Michigan Community Service Commission-Gubernatorial Appointment. He also is a director on the board of Leadership Oakland. He is a Founder of Together We Can (Annual Food Drive) Leadership Oakland.

He has received several awards and tributes including the 2018 State of Michigan Governor’s Tribute for Service; the 2016 Leader of Leaders Award, Leadership Oakland; 2014 The Legacy Award, Winning Futures; and, 2013 Rare Everyday Hero Award, Winning Futures.

About Michigan Israel Business Accelerator (MIBA)

MIBA elevates the scope and scale of the Michigan Israel economic relationship, targeting the convergence of technology, industry and research in such sectors as advance manufacturing, mobility, cyber, defense, water, health and life science and agriculture. For more information, visit www.michiganisrael.com3.