Staff: Brian McGrain, Associate Director/COO
Brian McGrain serves as the Associate Director/Chief Operating Office of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). In this role, Brian oversees operations, fundraising, training, and communication efforts for CEDAM, as well as handling some partnership-building and advocacy initiatives. Brian has a decade of experience in the community development industry and is a proponent of the transforming power of community reinvestment.
Born in Lansing, Brian spent his childhood outside of the state, attending schools throughout the U.S., in Japan, and in Germany, before graduating from high school in Virginia. He returned to the Lansing area seventeen years ago to attend Michigan State University, where he received both his Bachelors degree in Urban and Regional Planning and his Masters degree in Public Administration and Urban Studies. Brian spent four years working at the University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research between 2002 and 2006..
In his spare time, Brian is engaged in a number of community service activities. He is serving a second term on the Ingham County Commission, representing the eastern portions of Lansing and Lansing Township. He has chaired the County's Human Services committee, and serves on the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, the Ingham County Economic Development Corporation, and the Ingham County Land Bank. He has served as President and is a current board member of the Grand River Connection, the young professionals’ group of Greater Lansing. He also serves on the City of Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals, is a frequent supporter of local political campaigns, and was a former member of the Franklin Street Community Housing Corporation Board. He is partner in a small rental holdings company, CJM Properties LLC.
Q&A with Brian:
What drives your passion for neighborhood / community and economic development?
After a decade of experience in the community development industry, I am a firm proponent of the transforming power of community reinvestment.
Why do you love Michigan?
I enjoy the great quality of life offered in Michigan and specifically by the Greater Lansing area. Lansing combines the cultural and entertainment amenities of a larger city with the feeling and affordability of being in a small town. I am proud to consider himself a “Lansing-ite” after 16 years of living in the community.
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
My friends and family live in the area, and with them, I see much opportunity in the area and in the state. I am so pleased to be a part of efforts that are taking Lansing and Michigan from “good to great!”
What do you do in your free time? (if it exists!)
In my (ever-so-decreasing) spare time, I am engaged in a number of community service activities. I am the Past President of the Grand River Connection, the young professionals’ group of Greater Lansing. Also, Lansing provides much opportunity to hone my “craft” – karaoke singing on the small stage.
Updated October 26, 2011