meet the team
MARTIN ("MARTY") FITTANTE — CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Marty is the former chief of staff for Michigan State Senator Tom Casperson. His legislative works spans numerous industries, including forestry, mining, and health care. He was previously external affairs director for the House Policy Office, a position that he held after serving as legislative director during Senator Casperson’s terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. As a policy advisor, he managed three statewide task forces that addressed job creation, education, and agriculture. Marty and his wife Lisa also own an accounting firm in Iron Mountain that serves small and medium sized businesses.
Marty is the inaugural recipient of the Jon Farley Michigan Legislative Staff Award, given to an exceptional staffer who is motivated by a dedication to service and a desire to foster an environment in Lansing based on merit and results. He is also the recipient of the Michigan Junior Chamber of Commerce President’s Award of Excellence, and the Daily Press Neighbors Award, presented to residents who “give the Central U.P. its heart and soul.”
Marty is a graduate of Bay College, Ferris State University, and Wayne State University Law School.
Steve Arwood — strategic advisor
Arwood, most recently Chief Executive Officer of Miller Canfield Consulting in Lansing, Michigan, now is President of SDArwood Co., a firm established to provide strategic consulting to public and private entities on critical initiatives. Arwood will work with InvestUP on business development initiatives outlined in the new strategic plan.
With more than 30 years of private and public sector experience, Arwood brings his connectivity and comprehensive understanding of business, talent and community development to the Upper Peninsula. Steve will work closely with the InvestUP team and Board of Directors to bring growth to the Upper Peninsula.
In his career with the State of Michigan, Arwood has held several positions in two separate Administrations, including President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; President and Chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund; Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; and the Director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) under Governor Snyder.
Anne Giroux — Director of Development & Investment Services
Anne Giroux is the Director of Development and Investment Services for InvestUP. In this role, she supports both developers and communities throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in accessing incentives and using tools that support development. Prior to joining the InvestUP team, she spent 25 years in local government finance serving most recently as Deputy County Administrator/Finance Manager for Marquette County. During her twelve years serving as the Marquette County Treasurer, she established the Marquette County Brownfield Authority and the Marquette County Land Bank Authority and managed both organizations for 16 years. Anne has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration degree both from Northern Michigan University. She is a Past-President of the Michigan Association of County Treasurers and a Past-President of the Michigan Association of Land Banks.
Amy Berglund — Director of business initiatives
A native of Delta County, Amy most recently served as a Regional Director for the MEDC. At the MEDC, Amy managed five of its ten statewide regions. She has also served as the MEDC’s Business Development Manager and as the Regional Representative for Senator Carl Levin. Her work is reflected in a number of significant U.P. projects, including the breakwater replacement project in Grand Marais, the expansion of Engineered Machined Products in Escanaba and the preservation of the Quincy Smelter in Hancock. She was awarded a key to Grand Marais for the impact that her work had on the community.
Amy will focus on trending opportunities and strategic growth industries, collaborating with the private sector, organizations, and community leaders to advance the region and drive economic development opportunities across all 15 U.P. counties.
Jamie VanBuren — Operations Manager
Native to the Upper Peninsula, Jamie has more than 14 years of corporate marketing experience. Most recently, Jamie served as the AVP Marketing Officer at the former mBank (now Nicolet Bank) for six years, where she focused on creating and executing marketing promotions, creating a consistent customer experience across 28 branches, and identifying opportunities to advance the mBank brand.
Jamie will serve as InvestUP’s expert on all matters concerning administrative operations and procedures, ensuring that all operations run smoothly. Additionally, she will work on the strategic initiatives of InvestUP through targeted marketing and promotional projects.
Jamie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Michigan University in 2007 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
Erin Warlick — Director of finance & Project development
Erin brings expertise in financial management and regulatory compliance to help ensure the integrity, transparency, and best practices to not only InvestUP’s finances, but both its subsidiary non-profit’s, Build U.P. and the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund. Despite being new to the role, Erin’s background in public audit and financial reporting helps her to manage the financial requirements of all three non-profits and has already led to additional revenue being realized for the organization.