MACKINAC ISLAND (June 1, 2023) – Today, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced Suzanne Shank, President, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC, as Chair of the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference and First Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Joined by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah made the announcement as the 2023 Conference concluded.
“Suzanne Shank’s success on Wall Street speaks for itself. She is a major national player and powerhouse in the financial services industry, yet remains deeply committed to her hometown of Detroit,” said Baruah. “We look forward to working with Suzanne in creating a dynamic statewide discussion at next year’s conference. Her expertise in capital markets, infrastructure and recognized leadership in advancing equity issues will help guide the work of the Chamber as well as preparing for the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.”
Based in Detroit, Shank co-founded Siebert Williams Shank & Co., LLC in 1996. The full-service investment banking firm is consistently ranked among the most active underwriters of publicly traded equity, investment grade corporate debt and municipal debt offerings. The firm is the top ranked minority- and women-owned investment banking firm in the country, counting 74 Fortune 100 companies among its clients.
Shank joined the Chamber’s Board in 2018, began serving on its Executive Committee in 2019, and currently serves on the organization’s Racial Justice and Economic Equity Committee. She is also active in various industry and civic organizations and boards, including Rocket Companies, White Mountains and Consumers Energy, Global Citizen, the Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation, and Spelman College.
“The Mackinac Policy Conference is the pinnacle event in Michigan, bringing together leaders – corporate, municipal, and philanthropic – from throughout the state to tackle Michigan’s most pressing issues through meaningful dialogue and partnership,” said Shank. “I am honored to chair the 2024 Conference and hope that through collaboration, we can advance our state’s competitive position and ensure that our communities thrive.”
Planning for the 2024 Conference will begin this summer. Shank will lead an advisory committee of Michigan-based CEOs and Chamber leadership to develop the theme and agenda for next year’s event, which will take place Tuesday, May 28, through Friday, May 31, 2024, at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The Mackinac Policy Conference – the Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual statewide event – convenes Michigan’s most influential audience to engage in collaborative dialogue on the state’s economic future. Since 1981, the Conference has provided a unique-in-the-nation experience for Michigan’s top business, government, civic, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial leaders. As Michigan’s premier policy event, the Conference attracts more than 1,500 attendees annually to discuss key issues facing the state. The Conference concludes with an actionable To-Do List that transforms dialogue into positive outcomes to create a more business-friendly climate in Michigan. To learn more, visit detroitchamber.com/mpc.
About the Detroit Regional Chamber
Serving the business community for more than 100 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. As the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan region, the Chamber’s mission is carried out by creating a business-friendly climate and providing value for members. The Chamber also executes the statewide automotive and mobility cluster association, MICHauto, and hosts the nationally recognized Mackinac Policy Conference. Additionally, the Chamber leads the most comprehensive education and talent strategy in the state.