Moving people and goods from one point to another, across land, sea and air, in ways that are more sustainable, accessible, efficient and safe is what Judd Herzer, MSU’s director of mobility research and innovation, works on every day at MSU Mobility.
“Mobility is integral to the entire economy,” Herzer shared. “That is why MSU Mobility is focused on bolstering and growing an increasingly interdisciplinary research portfolio which spans the depth and breadth of mobility expertise across the university.”
Herzer assumed the full-time leadership position for MSU Mobility in 2023, bringing along 14 years of experience working in state government and a background steeped in infrastructure, transportation and technology.
Herzer is also driving efforts to expand a collaborative approach with industry and government to shape the future of transportation and mobility in Michigan and beyond.
Prior to joining MSU, he served as infrastructure and technology advisor in the Executive Office of Gov.Gretchen Whitmer, director of strategic policy at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and was key to the founding of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.
In January 2025, Herzer reconnected with that history when he was appointed by Gov. Whitmer to serve out the remainder of a four-year term on the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification (CFME) which was previously held by MSU Distinguished Professor Emeritus Satish Udpa. Herzer was reappointed to the council for a four-year term in September 2025.
CFME serves as an advisor to the governor, state government departments and the Legislature, providing recommendations on changes in state policy, rules, programs and budget to ensure Michigan continues to be a world leader of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
“It's always great when we can ensure the Spartan perspective is included in discussions about the future of our economy,” said Herzer. “It's also important that MSU helps convert recommendations into effective solutions. That’s where our expanding research portfolio and collaborations with industry and government come in.”
Herzer holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from Western Michigan University and a juris doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Written by Judi Melena Smelser
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