Shank to chair Mackinac Policy Conference in 2024
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Suzanne Shank, president and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC, has been chosen as chair of the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, the Detroit Regional Chamber announced Thursday.
Joined by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Chamber president and CEO Sandy Baruah said Shank would also become first vice chair of the chamber’s board of directors.
“Suzanne Shank’s success on Wall Street speaks for itself. She is a major national player and powerhouse in the financial services industry, yet remains deeply committed to her hometown of Detroit,” Baruah said.
Shank joined the chamber’s board in 2018 and began serving on its executive committee in 2019. She is currently on the group’s racial justice and economic equity committee.
“The Mackinac Policy Conference is the pinnacle event in Michigan, bringing together leaders — corporate, municipal, and philanthropic — from throughout the state to tackle Michigan’s most pressing issues through meaningful dialogue and partnership,” Shank said.
Speakers at this year’s conference, which ends today, included entrepreneur Mark Cuban, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, William Clay Ford Jr., executive chair of Ford Motor Co., and Matt Elliott, president of BofA Michigan.
Shank is also active in various industry and civic organizations and boards, including Rocket Companies, White Mountains and Consumers Energy, Global Citizen, the Kresge Foundation, The Skillman Foundation and Spelman College.
“We look forward to working with Suzanne in creating a dynamic statewide discussion at next year’s conference,” Baruah said. “Her expertise in capital markets, infrastructure and recognized leadership in advancing equity issues will help guide the work of the chamber as well as preparing for the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.”
Planning for next year’s conference will start this summer and Shank will lead an advisory committee of Michigan-based CEOs and chamber leadership to develop the theme and agenda. The 2024 event will take place May 28 through May 31 at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.
The conference attracts more than 1,500 attendees to discuss key issues facing the state. Since 1981, it has provided a chance for Michigan’s business, government, civic, philanthropic and entrepreneurial leaders to meet and exchange ideas.
Shank co-founded the company in 1996. The full-service investment banking firm is among the most active underwriters of municipal debt offerings. It is the top ranked minority- and women-owned investment banking firm in the United States.
