Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, has hired Jerry Rush as director of member and government relations. In this role, Rush will oversee the organization’s efforts to recruit new members while enhancing and growing relationships with its current membership base of nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions, government entities and economic developers. Rush will also oversee Automation Alley’s relationships with governments on a local, state and federal level.
“I’d like to welcome Jerry Rush to our team at Automation Alley. Jerry is a person with vast experiences in this region and served as a two time president of Automation Alley. In Jerry we have a proven and innovative business leader. He is a great fit for our team and culture,” said Automation Alley Executive Director Ken Rogers. “At Automation Alley, we strive to provide our members with the right tools to help their businesses grow, whether that’s networking opportunities, meeting space or public relations tools. I’m confident that Jerry will create excitement and increased benefits for our members, to help us not only better serve our members but ultimately to advance our region.”
Rush comes to Automation Alley with more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership from the Troy-based global automotive supplier Meritor, formerly ArvinMeritor and Rockwell International. Most recently, Rush served as senior director of government and community relations and internal communications for Meritor, where he directed government relations and regulatory affairs, forged relationships with legislative and regulatory policy leaders and decision makers globally and secured government funding to support advanced technology and new product development. He also directed the Meritor Trust Fund and International Giving Program.
Rush served four years as president of the board for Automation Alley and has been active in the community, with leadership positions on several national and regional groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers, the Business Roundtable, the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association, the Citizens Research Council, the Detroit Regional Chamber, MICHauto, the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, The Henry Ford and the Troy Community Coalition.
Rush has a Master’s in business administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor’s in journalism from Ohio State University.
Source: Automation Alley