Jose M. Robles-Michelena
Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff
CHICAGO MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
Mr. Robles-Michelena is a Bi-Cultural Executive with extensive experience orchestrating successful strategies in Minority Supplier Development, Business Advising, International Trade, Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Development. He has thirty years of experience in operations management playing progressive roles with Non-Profit, Public and Private Companies; and Government Organizations.
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In his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, he is responsible for the daily operations of the entire organization including MBE Development Programs, Minority Supplier Certification, Corporate Members Engagement and Business Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy. He is also responsible for keeping the financial health of the organization implementing and executing responsible spending and managing receivables timely. He also manages and supervises all staff members and contractors.
Prior to joining the Chicago MSDC, he was Managing Director of US-Mexico Partners, a cross-border Foreign Direct Investment consulting firm which helps companies throughout the world setting up manufacturing operations in Mexico. His role included articulating strategic alliances with International Economic Development Agencies, Chambers of Commerce and cross-border service providers such as: Accountants, Commercial Bankers, Industrial and Commercial Real Estate Companies, Customs Brokers, Logistics companies and other organizations to create a constructive environment for companies interested in doing business in Mexico.
Before launching US-Mexico Partners, He was Head of Business Development of the Mexico Practice for Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C; a prestigious law firm based in Detroit Michigan with international presence.
Prior to working for Miller Canfield, He held a position as Foreign Direct Investment and Trade Executive at the Chicago office of ProMexico (equivalent to U.S. Commercial Service) ProMexico was Mexico’s Federal Government Agency responsible of attracting productive investment into Mexico, promoting exports, and assisting companies to establish commercial presence internationally.
He is passionate about Business Diversity and Inclusion as an integral part of Sustainable Economic Development. He believes and advocates for Equality of Opportunities for Diverse Owned Companies. He is fluent in Spanish and has studies in French. He holds a degree and Business Administration and graduate studies in Economics, Financial Markets and Trade. He is also a competitive endurance sports athlete. When he is not working, he loves spending time with his family, listening to music, cooking, and traveling.