January 05, 2017
Harvey Santana joining team, Andrew Haan leaving for private sector
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017
LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced staff changes in the Michigan Office of Urban Initiatives with the addition of former state Rep. Harvey Santana and the departure of Andrew Haan.
Santana is joining the team later this month as Tri-County Deputy. He will help identify urban economic opportunities and challenges related to Michigan’s urban centers. Santana also will be reviewing and evaluating economic development efforts and policies affecting urban centers to make recommendations for improvements or new efforts, as well as maintaining and building community relationships for the state.
"Harvey's experience as a veteran, a community planner and state representative will serve him well as he works with our team to continue fueling Michigan’s comeback with the rejuvenation of our urban centers,” Snyder said. “Harvey has a proven track record of being able to work in a bipartisan fashion so that results for the people of Michigan always came first. I look forward to having him add his talents to our team.”
Santana, who holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University, served as a state representative for Detroit from 2011 through 2016. He also worked as an urban planner in Detroit for many years with The Corradino Group, where he assisted in the planning and development of infrastructure investments for urban areas.
Santana is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served his country from 1990-1994. He was honorably discharged as a Petty Officer Third Class.
Haan has been an associate director in the Office of Urban Initiatives since February 2013, with a focus on community efforts in Southwest Michigan. He is leaving in February to become president of Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
“Andrew’s work in Kalamazoo and throughout Southwest Michigan has been exemplary. He especially went above and beyond with his work in the community when Kalamazoo was faced with several tragedies last year,” Snyder said. “I wish him the best in his new endeavor and congratulate Downtown Kalamazoo for making the right choice for their new president.”
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