Tribal Economic Development: Episode 1 – Welcome to Tribal Economic Development

Mike Devlin

Waséyabek Development Company, a leading economic development firm in Michigan’s Indian Country, announced two leadership appointments today involving the company’s federal services division.

Bethany Harris, who has served as Executive Vice President of 8(a) Business since joining Waséyabek in 2019, has been promoted to President of the Federal Group. In this role, Harris will continue to lead strategic business initiatives for Waséyabek Federal Group (WFG), which now includes five individual companies along with multiple joint ventures. Prior to joining Waséyabek, Harris practiced law in Chicago and Michigan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is a member of the National Defense Industrial Association and the Michigan Chapter of Women in Defense.

“I’m thrilled to continue leading Waséyabek’s business efforts in the federal contracting space,” said Harris. “Our strategy over the past four years has been to strengthen the Federal Group through partnering, organically growing projects, acquiring companies, and diversifying our product service offerings. We now provide premium support in several verticals, including operations and maintenance, propulsion systems, environmental remediation, professional services and software engineering. This strategic approach has put us on a path of business development and revenue growth.”

The company has also hired Mike Devlin to serve as Vice President of Strategy and Revenue. Devlin comes to Waséyabek from Ricardo Defense, a Troy, Michigan company, where he served as the Director of Business Development. In his new role, Devlin will be responsible for developing new business and establishing strategic relationships for WFG, as well as achieving operating and financial objectives.

“Over the past few years, Waséyabek has established itself as a premium product and service provider in the defense and federal-contracting industries,” said Devlin. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join this team and help each company achieve even greater business success.”

The Federal Group includes Waséyabek Federal Services, Baker Engineering, Waséyabek Operations and Technical Support, Fed95 and recently acquired BLDI, an environmental consulting and remediation firm. Waséyabek also plans to close one additional Federal Group acquisition by the end of 2023. The companies are strategically aligned to provide services to federal agencies, defense contractors and the Department of Defense.

“Bethany and Mike will bring greater business insight and defense industry experience to our Federal Group, which will strengthen our ability secure new business opportunities in the federal contracting market,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO of Waséyabek. “These appointments are consistent with our strategic goal of growing revenue for our Tribal Members and ensuring the sovereignty and sustainability of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe through economic diversification.”

The appointments were effective October 2, 2023.

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business announced Bethany Harris as an honoree of its inaugural class of 40 Under 40 recipients. Harris, who serves as the Executive Vice President of 8(a) Business at Waséyabek Development Company, leads strategic business initiatives for Waséyabek Federal Group (WFG), which includes Waséyabek Federal Services, Baker Engineering, Waséyabek Operations and Technical Support, Fed95, and BLDI.

In the article Crain’s published regarding the honor, Harris describes working with a “once-in-a-lifetime” team at Waséyabek that is “aligned around the mission of diversifying the economy of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe.”

“Our core group is geographically dispersed and supports government contracts across the country,” Harris said. “We’ve grown together to build our customer base, brand, and systems and processes — even during the pandemic. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with such a talented and dynamic team, all in support of creating a brighter future for the Tribe.”

Access the full story at Crain’s Grand Rapids by clicking the button below. Congratulations, Bethany!