Awenate Cobbina is the Chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee.
Previously, Cobbina was the Vice President of Public and Business Affairs for Palace Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) and the Detroit Pistons and the Executive Director of the Detroit Pistons Foundation. In those roles, Cobbina worked on PS&E’s business deals, including the Pistons’ move to Detroit and all aspects of the Foundation.
Earlier in his career, he served in the White House, including roles in the Chief of Staff’s Office, Office of Legislative Affairs, and Office of Management and Budget. There he worked with senior White House staff and Administration officials to manage policy development, design strategy, and implement plans on many issues and initiatives.
Cobbina attended Emory University and the Howard University School of Law and previously worked at the National Football League, Weil, Gotshal and Manges LLP, and the National Labor Relations Board in legal and policy roles.