About

Christopher (Chris) Girdwood leads the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corporation, which is a four-community, two-county public-private economic development partnership driving corporate expansion and new investment around Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports. The Aerotropolis is the premiere location for greenfield expansion in Southeast Michigan, offering 6,000 acres of development-ready land centered in a world-class network of transportation infrastructure.

Previously, Chris worked to grow the 1,500-acre Prince William County, Virginia Innovation Park by attracting and expanding biotechnology, life science, and supporting industries. This unique university-centered model for economic development includes the Prince William Science Accelerator (9 wet labs) where Chris led the tenant recruitment, technical assistance, and graduation effort. His economic development experience also includes working as the Business Outreach & Communication Manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation in California, and as a Senior Economic Development Associate with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in Washington, D.C. Chris also spent time with Morgan Stanley as a Wealth Advisor, in addition to supporting the warfighter as a civilian with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Chris attended Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Harvard Kennedy School. He holds one utility patent, and he plans to invent new technologies throughout his life. He lives in Metro Detroit with his wife, daughters, and son.