RODNEY PARKKONEN

Rodney Parkkonen serves as small business consultant on the Small Business Services team at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). In his role, Rodney leads programming designed to help second-stage entrepreneurs gain access to strategic information and participate in valuable retreats and roundtables. Additionally, Rodney’s role includes work in building the state’s trusted connector network and helping grow and align the state’s small business support ecosystem. Before joining the Small Business Services team, Rodney worked on teams devoted to securing new business growth, job creation and investment in the State of Michigan.

Prior to joining the MEDC, Rodney’s career included working with small businesses in various industries and capacities for nearly 20 years. It was these experiences that gave context to the importance small businesses play in their community and the impact they can have on local, regional and state economies. Rodney’s volunteer experience includes coaching middle school and high school sports and serving as a hospice volunteer.

Born in Marquette, Michigan, Rodney earned his bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree in Human Performance Improvement from Northern Michigan University. He is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council and is nearing completion of his Entrepreneurship Development Professional from the International Economic Development Council. He lives in DeWitt, Michigan with his wife, son and dog.