Steven H. Hilfinger is a senior executive, corporate lawyer, and proven leader who has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of law, business, government, and community service. With nearly four decades of experience, he has established himself as a trusted counselor, a strategic thinker, and a transformative leader. His professional journey reflects a consistent theme: the ability to blend legal acumen with practical leadership to advance organizations, empower teams, and drive economic growth.
From the outset of his career, Steven demonstrated both intellectual rigor and a passion for service. Graduating first in his class from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and later earning his Juris Doctor with magna cum laude honors from Northwestern University School of Law, he quickly distinguished himself as a scholar and practitioner. As Editor-in-Chief of the Northwestern University Law Review, he learned the value of disciplined analysis, persuasive communication, and unwavering standards—skills that would shape his professional approach for decades to come.
Steven began his legal career in Chicago with Hopkins & Sutter before moving to Detroit to join Dickinson Wright. At Dickinson, he advanced from associate to partner, advising clients on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and governance. His counsel earned him recognition not only for technical excellence but also for mentorship, as reflected in his Detroit Compact “Mentor of the Year” award. These early years laid the groundwork for his reputation as a lawyer who combined financial sophistication with a deep understanding of client needs.
In 2000, Steven co-founded the Detroit office of Foley & Lardner LLP, one of the nation’s most respected law firms. Under his leadership as Office Managing Partner, the Detroit office grew from just eight attorneys to more than forty, generating nearly $50 million in annual revenue. His role as Co-Chair of the Automotive Industry Team positioned the firm as a go-to advisor for over 100 tier-one suppliers during the tumultuous restructuring of the U.S. automotive industry. Steven’s ability to guide clients through the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies was not only a demonstration of legal skill but also of his capacity to serve as a stabilizing force during crises.
Beyond the legal arena and transaction table, Steven proved himself as a builder of organizations. He created and led the Manufacturing Industry Team, launched the firm’s Michigan Government and Public Policy practice, and spearheaded initiatives around electrified mobility and smart manufacturing. These efforts reflect his unique ability to see around corners, anticipate industry trends, and design legal strategies that align with broader business and policy objectives. His leadership was as much about vision as it was about execution, balancing innovation with an unwavering commitment to governance.
Steven’s career took an influential turn when he was appointed Chief Regulatory Officer for the State of Michigan and Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In this cabinet-level role under Governor Rick Snyder, he oversaw a department of nearly 4,000 employees and a budget exceeding $1.3 billion. His leadership resulted in transformative reforms, including eliminating more than 1,500 outdated regulations, restructuring the state’s unemployment insurance debt in a groundbreaking $3.8 billion transaction, and modernizing numerous licensing and regulatory processes. His work was recognized nationally, earning “Bond Deal of the Year” from Bond Buyer magazine and setting new benchmarks for regulatory efficiency.
He continued his public service as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), where he guided a 350-person team with a $1 billion budget. Under his leadership, MEDC created more than 25,000 jobs and leveraged $3.5 billion in private investment in a single fiscal year. He played a central role in Detroit’s recovery efforts, working closely with state leaders, the governor’s office, and local stakeholders. His stewardship over significant projects such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Little Caesars Arena reflected his ability to blend legal expertise, business judgment, and government relations into results that advanced both economic development and community revitalization.
Returning to Foley & Lardner in 2014, Steven continued to strengthen the firm’s manufacturing, automotive, and public policy practices. His later career has been distinguished not only by client successes but also by his dedication to mentorship, diversity, and community service. Through pro bono initiatives, he has supported minority and women entrepreneurs in Detroit, launched programs to foster youth entrepreneurship, and contributed extensively to nonprofit boards such as Forgotten Harvest and Invest Detroit. These commitments reflect his personal philosophy that leadership is not only about building companies but also about strengthening communities.
Internationally, Steven has engaged with business leaders and policymakers in Canada, Mexico, China, and Europe, underscoring his global perspective on the automotive and manufacturing sectors. His ability to navigate cross-border negotiations, trade missions, and regulatory environments makes him particularly adept at guiding organizations with international ambitions. His influence extends far beyond Michigan, resonating with industries and communities across the globe.
Today, Steven is a sought-after board director and advisor who brings a rare combination of legal expertise, executive leadership, and government insight. His character is defined by integrity, his knowledge by breadth and depth across multiple industries, and his approach by a blend of decisiveness and collaboration. With a reputation for candor, vision, and a relentless drive to achieve excellence, Steven continues to inspire trust and confidence in every organization he serves.
Character:
Steven embodies integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. His decision-making is guided not by expedience but by principles that ensure fairness and long-term success. He is respected as a leader who not only achieves results but does so with honesty and honor.
Knowledge:
With nearly four decades of experience in corporate law, government affairs, and economic development, Steven brings unparalleled depth of expertise. His knowledge spans complex transactions, regulatory systems, and governance frameworks, making him a trusted advisor in diverse settings. He possesses both the technical mastery and the practical judgment to guide organizations through opportunity and challenge alike.
Strategic:
Steven has consistently demonstrated the ability to anticipate trends, align organizational goals with market realities, and craft strategies that achieve measurable impact. From growing a law firm’s Detroit office into a leading practice to reforming Michigan’s regulatory environment, his record reflects vision translated into action. He thrives in dynamic environments where foresight and execution must align.
Communication:
Steven is a persuasive communicator who knows how to connect with diverse audiences, from corporate boards to government officials to community leaders. His style balances clarity with conviction, ensuring that complex ideas are conveyed with precision and impact. He is equally skilled at listening, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that dialogue leads to progress.
