Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA) has hired Joe Sobieralski as its new executive director.

Sobieralski has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan. He most recently worked as city manager in Bangor.

Sobieralski said he is looking forward to working with the many municipalities and companies of Southwest Michigan to help promote and support the retention and expansion of existing businesses, to attract new businesses and to encourage economic growth in Southwestern Michigan.

He is expected to take his position in early February and will be located in the new offices of SMEGA at 333 N. 2nd St., Suite 302, in Niles.

SMEGA’s success in the past has come from strong leadership and focused cooperation with area businesses. Joe will continue that legacy and will help build our regional economic development with the help of similar organizations around the Berrien County and St. Joe County, Ind., markets. He is expected to take his new Executive Director position in early February and will be located in the new offices of SMEGA, at 333 N. 2nd Street in Niles, Suite 302.