Steven Hilfinger
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Steve Hilfinger joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) as its executive vice president and chief operating officer in December 2012. In this position Hilfinger oversees several operational and administrative functions and works with MEDC’s senior leadership to achieve the strategic objectives of supporting business growth and creating more and better jobs throughout Michigan. Prior to accepting this appointment by Governor Rick Snyder, Hilfinger served as director of the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and was the state’s chief regulatory officer.
Previously, he focused a 23-year legal career on corporate and securities law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings, private equity and venture capital transactions, debt and equity finance transactions, business formation and corporate governance, and general corporate and contract counseling. As a founder and office managing partner at Foley and Lardner LLP in Detroit, his practice included representation of automotive suppliers and other manufacturers, medical device makers, private equity and venture capital funds, financial institutions, and other publicly and privately held businesses.
Hilfinger obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (concentration in accounting) with high distinction from the University of Michigan in 1984 and graduated magna cum laude with a law degree from Northwestern University in 1987.