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Charles A. DeVries Director, Government Affairs Charles DeVries has 10 years of government affairs and policy experience with a focus on higher education, economic development and building sustainable communities. DeVries began his public service career working for Congressman Fred Upton in 1995, followed by a staff assistant position in 1996. He quickly grew into roles of higher responsibility; his final position with the Congressman was projects director, where he served as the point-person for federal grants, regional economic development projects, and transportation and environmental issues. His public service continued in the President’s Office at his alma mater, Western Michigan University, where he helped manage the state and federal appropriations process as assistant vice president for legislative affairs. As a registered lobbyist, DeVries helped to promote the University’s research and legislative agendas in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Today, DeVries plays an integral role in the creation and management of economic development programs for Automation Alley as director of government affairs. In this position, he also serves as a member of the Automation Alley SmartZone Marketing Committee and coordinates the Alley’s efforts on the Macomb County Community Action Committee, which worked to retain Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the Detroit Arsenal throughout the Department of Defense Base Relocation and Closure process in 2005. He also interfaces with local colleges and universities, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Automation Alley’s 875 member organizations. DeVries has been very active in the community. At Western Michigan University, he co-chaired two United Way campaigns, raising more than $200,000 each. In 2004, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Great Oaks Public School Academy, located in Madison Heights, Michigan. DeVries holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University. | 