Steve Cassin, a fixture in southeast Michigan business circles,
is retiring as Macomb County economic development director.
His successor is 32-year-old John Paul Rea, recognized as a
rising star in Macomb County government since April when he was named an
assistant county executive.

Cassin
Rea

Cassin has led the Macomb Planning and Economic Development
Department since 2002 and has been involved in countless regional projects to help
boost the southeast Michigan economy. He elevated his department from an arm of
the Board of Commissioners working on a variety of policy issues to an agency
focused on economic growth.


Cassin began his professional career in planning more than 40
years ago working for the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG)
and Clinton Township prior to joining Macomb County.
“I have had a long career, and I am incredibly proud of the current state of
the county’s planning and economic development services,” said Cassin, 63.  
 

County Executive Mark Hackel celebrated Cassin’s tenure.

“Steve has been a respected and valued director for many years. Those who
worked with Steve appreciated his professionalism, integrity and
thoughtfulness,” Hackel said.

“… With Steve retiring, we recognized we had a perfect
opportunity to elevate John Paul into a leadership role in a field he is both
knowledgeable and passionate about.”

For Rea, a former senior planner in the department, this is certainly
not a lateral move, but a move upward.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve Macomb
County as the leader of the county’s Planning and Economic Development
Department,” Rea said. “With the support of the Office of the County Executive,
and the dedicated professionals who work in planning, I believe we can continue
to advance the department.”

 

 

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