According to a statement released by the department, Michigan State University president Lou Anna Simon, Lansing Community College president Paula Cunningham and Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero approached Hollister on behalf of local business, labor, educational and regional leaders.

"It was hard to say 'no' to this exciting new opportunity," Hollister says. "Of particular interest to me is bringing together mid-Michigan's strategic assets to become a center for research, development, commercialization and production of biomass materials and the epicenter of leadership for the post-petroleum economy. The governor challenged the state to do this in her 2005 State of the State address and in my new role; I hope to help the governor and the region achieve this goal."

Gov. Jennifer Granholm tapped Hollister in January 2003 to join her team as director of the Department of Consumer & Industry Services to bring the Lansing model to the state level. He was instrumental in the creation of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, which officially opened in December 2003.

Hollister's contributions during the past three years include the development of a comprehensive economic revitalization plan, initiation of creative new programs, and 38 innovative interdepartmental collaborations, including Cool Cities.