Michael Hripko

Mike Hripko is the associate vice president for External Affairs, Government Relations and Economic Development at Youngstown State University. Hripko leads the Regional Economic Development Initiative, serving as the primary YSU contact for federal, state and local government, as well as individuals, business and community organizations that seek involvement with YSU. He provides strategic and visionary leadership for the university’s economic development enterprise designed to build industry, corporate and governmental partnerships to stimulate economic growth and foster innovation. A primary focus of the position is the development of the Mahoning Valley Innovation and Commercialization Center at YSU. A native of Youngstown, Hripko was deputy director for Workforce and Educational Outreach at America Makes, director of STEM Research and Technology-based Economic Development at YSU and also spent more than 30 years at Delphi Corporation in a variety of roles.