Michael T. Edgar
Michael Edgar is a seasoned development consultant with over 30 years of experience in creating meaningful economic opportunities for small to medium-sized businesses. As a licensed architect with a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California (USC), he offers a unique perspective to the field of economic and business development.
By bringing together municipal governments, international investors, and businesses to create joint ventures to revitalize communities, Michael uses a holistic and practical approach to economic development.
Previously, as the founder and President of GWDC, a 501c (3) not-for-profit economic development corporation, he developed three catalytic investment programs that brought together access to capital, entrepreneur training, and transformative real estate development into economically disadvantaged communities. In 2016, Michael led the expansion of GWDC’s “SelectChicago” program to include working with over 80 Chicago area municipalities and 50 international trade offices.
Now, as CEO of SelectGlobal, LLC, Michael brings this experience to a wider footprint, consulting with various communities, businesses and investors from around the world.
In the summer of 2022, Michael served on the United States Investment Advisory Council (IAC) where he advised the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on strategies and programs to attract and retain foreign direct investment in the United States.
In addition to his work with SelectGlobal, LLC, Michael is the president and founder of Design Studio C, Ltd. (www.designstudio-c.com), where for the past 25 years, he has led the development of over 1,200 real estate projects throughout the greater Chicago area, including southern Wisconsin.
Michael currently holds an active architecture license in Wisconsin and Illinois, as well as a NCARB Certificate offering reciprocity to practice architecture in 48 states and well as Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.