Scott Hiipakka serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, a nonprofit economic development organization, responsible for accelerating Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, one Israeli connection at a time. With a focus in mobility, defense, cyber/AI, food+ag tech, and health/life sciences, his vision is to make Michigan a premier partner for Israeli innovation.

Previously, he served as the Director of the Office of Performance and Transformation for the State of Michigan where he was responsible for the integration of strategic programs along with overseeing planning, audit, process improvement, program management, and employee engagement for over 40,000 state employees. Before, Scott Hiipakka was appointed as the Program Management Director-Executive Office of the Governor. His responsibilities include oversight and integration of key state strategic initiatives, including synchronization of programs and deliverables that support the Governor’s priorities.

Prior to his role in state government, Hiipakka worked in the private sector as the Vice President for a consulting firm that specialized in emergency preparedness, safety, and security with clients across the United States. He also has experience in the medical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries.

Hiipakka is a member of the Michigan Army National Guard where he currently serves as an Assistant Adjutant General and holds the rank of Brigadier General. In this capacity he is responsible for overseeing the operations, mentoring, and building of functional teams ranging in size from 30 to over 8,000 people. His prior assignments include Land Component Commander and Brigade Command of a Military Police Brigade. Other assignments include multiple command and staff positions with deployments and military activations in support of the state of Michigan’s COVID response, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Noble Eagle (Washington, DC). His active-duty military experience includes service in the US Army Ranger Regiment and other key leadership and advisor roles. Hiipakka has over 25 years of military service.

He currently serves as an advisor and former appointee to the Michigan Community Service Commission. He has served on multiple boards in Michigan including Leadership Oakland and was the former Board Chair and board member for Winning Futures. Hiipakka was recognized by Crain’s Business as a 2020 “Notable Veteran” and is the recipient of the 2016 Leadership Oakland Leader of Leaders Award, the 2014 Winning Futures Legacy Award, and the 2013 Winning Futures Rare Everyday Hero Award. Hiipakka holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in homeland security from Penn State University, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the US Army War College. He is married to Susan and the proud father to Abby (21) and Alex (19) and they reside in Milford, Michigan.

Podcast of “Get Down To Business” – 05/09/2021 - Shawn Nason, Kristen Cox, Matthew Morales and Christina Hynes Mesco