KEITH W. COOLEY is the Director of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth (often called D-LEG).

In this capacity, he directs the activities of more than 4,000 employees in 35 agencies with oversight of a budget totaling $1.3 billion. His principal objective--after appointment by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm in March 2007--has been to "upskill" Michigan's workforce to compete in a global community and provide opportunities for economic uplift. And he is well-prepared to do so!

Mr. Cooley has played significant roles in the corporate sector with General Electric, General Motors and Motorola Corporations, as founder of a private consulting company, and as a leader in the non-profit community. His experience ranges from work as an experimental physicist, strategic planner crisis manager, marketing and sales executive to CEO of Focus: HOPE; where he championed the celebrated civil and human rights organization to become a leader in manufacturing technology and workforce development serving underrepresented urban youth.

His professional activities and affiliations include the Engineering Society of Detroit and boards of trustees for The University of Michigan Engineering Advisory Board, the Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Climate Action Council and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee.

Previously he served on the boards of trustees the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, WIRED (Workforce Innovation for Regional Economic Development) West Michigan, and the University Prep Academy.

He has been recognized in Who's Who in the World, Tau Beta Pi Eminent Engineer, and the General Motors President's Council Honors. He is also a life member of the National Black MBA Association and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honorary Society.

Cooley received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering physics and a Master of Science degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan (U-M) in 1967 and 1972, respectively. As a graduate student, he founded the Minority Engineering Programs Office, College of Engineering. In addition, he was a gymnast; the first African-American to compete in that sport at the school and was a member of U-M's 1966 Big Ten Championship team.

Mr. Cooley is married and has four adult children and 6 grandsons.

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