Southfield City Administrator Fred Zorn, CEcD received the 2022 President’s Award from the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) on August 24 at their Annual Meeting at The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel Detroit.

The President's Award is given annually to members that have provided a substantial contribution to MEDA. The Annual Meeting is MEDA's biggest education and networking event of the year. The conference includes educational sessions covering the most important economic development topics and issues of the day as well as several networking opportunities.

“MEDA is proud to add Fred to its list of President’s Award recipients and looks forward to his continued commitment to the Association for years to come,” said 2022 MEDA Board President Samantha Seimer, Vice President, Economic Development Services for AKT Peerless Environmental Services.

Administrator Zorn has been a member of MEDA for 21 years and is an outstanding leader in the field. He has always been active, creative, and willing to use State and Federal economic incentives to develop millions of dollars in underutilized or contaminated sites in the communities in which he has worked. During his role as Director of Economic Development at the city of Taylor, he was instrumental in the City’s receipt of the Livability Award from the Conference of Mayors in 2003 and was at the forefront of using PA 381 to spark revitalization of adopting over 40 Brownfield plans. In Southfield, Mr. Zorn was the driving force in fitting together the public/private redevelopment of the former Northland Mall among many other successful redevelopment projects. Mr. Zorn was appointed as the Southfield City Administrator in 2014. Appointed by and reporting directly to City Council, he is responsible for the City’s daily operations, preparing the annual municipal budget, conducting studies and making recommendations on City operations to City Council. The City Administrator also directs the administrative staff, appoints most management employees with City Council’s confirmation, and ensures enforcement of all City laws and ordinances.

About MEDA

The Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) was founded in 1960 and exists to advance economic development throughout Michigan. The association’s goal is to provide a variety of services and programs that will enhance economic development in Michigan. Through education, legislative updates, public relations and networking, MEDA makes it possible for economic development professionals statewide to accomplish their goals more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.medaweb.org.

For more information, contact Business Development at (248) 796-4160.