Harris: One title, two orgs.
Michael Harris is bringing his policy chops back to town to help steer Greater New Haven’s two economic development agencies.
The Orange Street-based agencies — REX Development, which guides regional development strategy and investment; and the quasi-public Economic Development Corporation (EDC) — announced Thursday that Harris will serve as their new joint CEO as of May 1.
Harris succeeds longtime CEO Virginia Kozlowski, who is retiring.
Harris served as a top policy aide to New Haven Mayor Toni Harp from January 2016 through December 2018. He went on to head the New Haven Innovation Collaborative through July 2022, then served as director of entrepreneurial ecosystems for the now-defunct state quasi-public agency CT Next.
Following is the agencies’ official release announcing Harris’s hiring:
Michael Harris Named CEO of Economic Development Corporation of New Haven and REX Development
The Boards of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven and REX Development are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Harris as Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025.
Michael brings a wealth of experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, and regional collaboration, making him ideally suited to lead both organizations in their shared mission of advancing economic opportunity in the City of New Haven and the South Central Connecticut region.
REX Development is the designated organization responsible for maintaining the South Central Connecticut Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally recognized roadmap guiding strategic growth and investment across the region. As CEO, Michael will oversee the Economic Development Corporation’s city-focused initiatives, aligning New Haven’s development priorities with broader regional goals.
In addition to these responsibilities, Michael will continue to support Visit New Haven, the tourism initiative under REX Development that promotes the area as a premier destination for visitors, students, businesses, and residents.
The CEO Search Committee, chaired by Shelly Saczynski and including First Selectman Michael Freda and Mayor Justin Elicker, expressed strong confidence in Michael’s ability to bring strategic leadership to the organizations. “Mike’s background in regional economic development and his collaborative approach make him the right choice to lead New Haven and the region forward,” the Committee stated.
“I’m honored to be chosen to implement EDC/REX’s shared vision of an inclusive, interconnected regional economy,” Michael shared. “Now is a critical moment for collaboration to navigate turbulent national changes and harness the unique strengths of New Haven’s growing economy. I look forward to working with both our longtime and new partners to build initiatives fostering vibrant businesses, quality jobs, and pathways to financial wellbeing for the region’s residents.”
About the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven and REX Development:
The Economic Development Corporation of New Haven is a nonprofit organization focused on attracting and retaining businesses, supporting job creation, and strengthening the city’s economic base. REX Development is the regional economic development organization for South Central Connecticut, supporting a 15-municipality region. REX maintains the CEDS, coordinates tourism marketing through Visit New Haven, and leads strategic economic initiatives in collaboration with public and private sector partners.