LANSING – Governor Rick Snyder Wednesday named a leading Detroit attorney with expertise in the regulatory world to head the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, which will soon be renamed and restructured.
With Steven Hilfinger, managing partner of the Foley and Lardner LLP law firm, taking the helm at DELEG, Snyder now has just one department remaining with an acting director, the Department of Corrections. Andy Levin, a holdover from the administration of former Governor Jennifer Granholm, had been serving as acting director. Hilfinger officially starts his new job February 28.
“Steve Hilfinger has an extraordinary background in helping companies navigate expansion and turnaround,” Snyder said. “He has an impressive knowledge of the business and regulatory environment and will do an outstanding job in creating a more practical and efficient regulatory system in this state.”
Hilfinger is a recognized expert in corporate acquisitions, restructurings and regulatory affairs, according to a statement from the Snyder administration. Mr. Hilfinger’s practice includes representation of automotive suppliers and other manufacturers, medical device makers, private equity and venture capital funds, financial institutions, and other publicly and privately held businesses.
A statement from the Snyder administration said the governor would issue an executive order that sends the economic development functions of the department to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, leaving the new DELEG to focus on licensing and regulation.
“I would like to thank Andy Levin for his service to the department throughout this transition,” Snyder said. “Andy has played an important role in maintaining the functions of DELEG as we continue to develop a reorganization plan for the department that will allow the agency to focus on its core regulatory and licensing functions, administrative hearings and employment services.”
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