Matt Cullen, general manager of the Economic Development and Enterprise Services group for General Motors, will be a featured speaker during the Arthur L. Johnson Urban Perspectives Lecture Series on April 7 at Alumni House, on the main campus of Wayne State University.

Cullen's newly created group, the Economic Development and Enterprise Services, focuses on aligning GM's economic development plans with the interests of the communities in which GM operates. He has helped keep GM's Detroit presence strong without ever designing, assembling or marketing a car. Cullen was also responsible for the acquisition of the 5.5-million square foot Renaissance Center, replacing the historic GM Building as the Corporation's global headquarters.

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has said, "Matt Cullen truly understands the value of partnerships and has been a leader on ... investments in Detroit." Today, Cullen continues to play a leading role in the $500 million transformation of the Renaissance Center and surrounding property, a complex that serves as a symbol of revitalization for downtown Detroit and General Motors. He is also spearheading the development of the Detroit Riverfront as co-chairman of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and has been recently named chair of the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau. The riverfront revitalization will include new walkways, a 25-acre state park, a port authority, plazas, shops and eateries.

The free lecture is open to the public. Reservations are required to call (313) 577-2166 for a seat or more details.

For details on metro Detroit events for WSU alums and friends, go to Alumni Events.