Ypsilanti, MI – Mi-Light, the Michigan photonics industry cluster, is pleased to announce that Ken Root is taking on the role of its Executive Director as of August 2017.

Ken draws on 17 years’ business experience predominantly focused on business-to-business development and operations management, and has helped entrepreneurs build their business for prolonged sustainability and profitability throughout Michigan.

As the Director of Membership and Strategic Relations with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), he continues to support businesses by running the Strategic Partnership Program and the SBAM Leadership Council, as well as other initiatives and member related services. At Mi-Light, he will work to build on the networking and talent development that Mi-Light has become known for by increasing outreach and looking for new ways to enhance communications and partnerships.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue the great work that has been happening with Mi-Light,” stated Ken. “The photonics industry is an important asset to Michigan’s infrastructure and I look forward to working with the many leaders, connecting them with the resources of Mi- Light and continuing the growth of the group.”

Ken joins Mi-Light as it plans for its upcoming Quarterly Members Meeting, which will be held on October 11 at Automation Alley in Troy, MI. Mi-Light will also participate in the inaugural Technology in Motion (TIM) Detroit event at Cobo Center in Detroit from September 6-8 during the STEM Careers Showcase.

Regarding Mi-Light’s news, Michelle Stock, Mi-Light’s Board Chair commented, “Mi-Light will benefit from Ken’s connections across the state and we look forward to Ken’s energy and enthusiasm as he represents us at events as well as increases our social media presence.”

For more information regarding Mi-Light or the information contained in this press release, please contact Ken Root at Ken.Root@mi-light.org.

About Mi-Light

Mi-Light is a non-profit organization serving Michigan’s photonics industry by bringing together professionals from companies, academia and organizations to mutually support and promote photonics-related business. For more on Mi-Light visit: www.mi-light.org