Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s influential business roundtable, has heralded a new era in its leadership with the election of Gary Torgow as its chairman. Torgow, who holds the chairmanship at Huntington Bank, is set to succeed Howard Ungerleider, the esteemed president and chief financial officer of Dow, beginning this January.
The leadership team under Torgow’s chairmanship includes a diverse group of vice chairs, each a prominent figure in Michigan’s business landscape: Hank Meijer from Meijer, Inc; Tina Freese Decker, leading Corewell Health; Chris Ilitch at the helm of Ilitch Companies; Jerry Norcia of DTE; Garrick J. Rochow from CMS Energy and Consumers Energy; Ronald E. Hall of Bridgewater Interiors; Michael J. Jandernoa, the visionary behind 42 North Partners; and James P. Keane, the former frontman of Steelcase.
Torgow and Business Leaders of Michigan has been a prominent and long time supporter of Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes and Politics including Pancakes and Politics Overdrive which entails a more intimate level of conversation between panelists. The overarching concept of Pancakes and Politics was born from the desire to do more than just inform Detroiters on the policies that affect our communities but to create a seat at the table. Since 2006, Pancakes and Politics has driven the dialogue between community, business, education, and political leaders.
True to its purpose, the breakfast forum works to resonate with and represent the Black community in Detroit by highlighting matters that impact Detroiters of all ages.
Commending Torgow’s unwavering dedication to Michigan’s growth, Jeff Donofrio, president and CEO of Business Leaders for Michigan, remarked, “Gary demonstrates every day what it means to be a champion for our state and its people. His collaborative approach and commitment to finding common ground have been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to fortify Michigan’s stature as a thriving, competitive state where success is accessible to all.”
Torgow himself paid tribute to Ungerleider’s significant contributions, stating, “Howard’s thoughtful leadership has been instrumental in advancing our Compete to Win strategy to improve Michigan’s competitiveness. We are immensely grateful for his outstanding work and leadership on behalf of Business Leaders.” He then outlined his vision, “As Business Leaders for Michigan, we are committed to driving meaningful change that enhances the well-being of all Michiganders. I am eager to work alongside the entire Board and CEO Jeff Donofrio to foster an environment where businesses are eager to invest and grow, and where people aspire to live and work.”
Business Leaders for Michigan, composed of executives from the state’s largest companies and universities, plays a pivotal role in the state’s economic health. The organization’s members collectively drive 40% of the state’s economy, employ more than half a million people within Michigan, generate in excess of $1 trillion in annual revenue, and serve a majority of the state’s public university students. Guided by the Compete to Win Plan, the organization envisions a collaborative approach among government, community, education, and business leaders to boost Michigan’s national and global competitiveness, focusing on attracting talent, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth. The organization recently introduced its Framework for Holistic Economic Development, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at preparing Michigan for a prosperous future, distinguishing its talent pool, and simplifying the growth process for people and businesses.
Torgow’s journey to this prestigious position has been marked by notable achievements. Appointed Chairman of Huntington Bank in June 2021, he previously led TCF, Chemical Financial, and Talmer Bancorp, and founded the Sterling Group, a prominent Michigan-based real estate, development, and investment company. His influence extends beyond the banking sector, with board memberships at DTE Energy Company and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and trustee roles at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan. Torgow is also actively involved with the Detroit Regional Partnership, the Skillman Foundation, and holds board presidency positions at Yeshiva Beth Yehudah school and The Jewish Federation of Detroit.
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