Seven Questions with Dom Holmes

Questions and Answers

What is your day job?

I’m employed as an economic development professional for Oakland County. In my role as the administrator of emerging growth and innovation in our business development division, I have the opportunity to develop and administer programs that enhance Oakland County’s key and emerging sectors. This includes programs and initiatives serving our manufacturing (advanced manufacturing), digital technology, aerospace, defense, automotive, and mobility sectors.

I enjoy my work because it allows me to engage with various stakeholders and policymakers across our region as we work collaboratively to develop assets and resources available to the communities we serve.

Why do you enjoy what you do?

I enjoy my work because it allows me to engage with various stakeholders and policymakers across our region as we work collaboratively to develop assets and resources available to the communities we serve

How has your participation in MedHealth initiatives, such as steering committees, matchmaking events, and working groups, benefited you and your organization?

With a background in technology commercialization and early-stage company support, I have an appreciation for the mission of MedHealth. MedHealth is a convener of entities (big and small) spanning the health and life sciences continuum with an international footprint. The collaborations it facilitates and the events it hosts are critical underpinnings of a healthy ecosystem. My participation on the steering committee has been enlightening and is a testament to our collective commitment to regionalism.

What is one thing in healthcare that you’re excited about in the next five years?

Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and the advancement of medical-device technologies offer exciting opportunities for healthcare practitioners and patients across the world. MedHealth and its stakeholders, including Wayne State University, Oakland University, University of Michigan, and their academic peers in Canada are critical to the continued advancement of these fields. For this reason and others, I’m bullish on the future of MedHealth.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose?

During my career, I’ve benefited from mentors at each of the places I’ve had the opportunity to serve. Wayne State University, Automation Alley, and now Oakland County leaders have all had a profound impact on my worldview and approach to economic development. In these organizations, I’ve found leaders with a dedication to service and having a positive impact.

If I had the opportunity to choose my next mentor, I’d favor someone like Michael Porter, the talented and thought-provoking Harvard Business School professor. His books and lectures have also helped to shape my perspective on the economic development profession and the role of government.

What’s one thing—either industry related or not—you learned in the last month?

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What’s one must-have that gets you through your work day?

Headphones, and I know I’m not alone.