Across the Table with Turkia Mullin: Director of EDGE

Turkia Awada Mullin, an assistant Wayne County executive, was named the new director of Economic and Neighborhood Development by Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano. Mullin, a 13-year attorney and University of Detroit-Mercy Law School graduate, has extensive background in real estate development. Prior to her work with Wayne County, Mullin was a corporate and real estate attorney.

Question: Wayne County Deputy CEO Azzam Elder recently stated that the county is on a "mission to change the climate in government." What does this mean to the public and what is your role?

A: The economic downturn has created a need for innovative thinking. It is our responsibility to create an environment where people want to do business. Therefore, we are restructuring in an effort to expedite economic development projects and provide better service to our investors, communities and other stakeholders.

Wayne County is looking forward. We are looking forward to new jobs, new industry and new opportunities. With the full support of Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, the Department of Economic and Neighborhood Development will re-focus on jobs, investment, sustainability, and innovation.  

Q: Where do you think the economy in Southeast Michigan is headed?

A: The economy will likely get worse before it gets better. But it will ultimately strengthen through diversification and innovation. The backbone of our economy is manufacturing. We make things. We are not a service economy or a knowledge based economy. The question we need to explore is, "Where is the opportunity?"

We are seeing automotive manufacturers transition to medical devices, defense and alternative energy products. We are also seeing tremendous investment in life sciences and creative technology in Wayne County. We are working with video game producers – an industry that has grown by nearly 30 percent internationally – to expand their businesses and create jobs. These are the opportunities we need to catalyze, while at the same time supporting our manufacturing base that continues to serve the automotive industry.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in this new position?

A: I want to provide potential investors and our local communities with an open line of communication to Wayne County, and access to all the tools and assistance necessary to expedite development and create jobs.