Lakeshore Advantage appoints four to board of directors
Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, has appointed four new members to its board of directors, representing the private, public and education sectors.
LAKESHORE — Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, has appointed four new members to its board of directors, representing the private, public and education sectors.
The new members include Dave DeGraaf, CEO of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi Automation Division; Olaf Huebner, president and CEO of Plascore; John Selmon, president of Muskegon Community College; and Patrick Waterman, Ottawa County administrator.
Their terms began this month. DeGraaf, Huebner and Selmon were elected to three-year terms, while Waterman will serve as an ex-officio member, according to a news release.
“These leaders strengthen our board’s ability to think systemically and help shape a region that continues to compete and evolve,” said Jeff Stutz, Lakeshore Advantage board chair and chief operating officer at MillerKnoll. “Thriving economies don’t happen when we work in silos. It happens when industry, education and public leadership move in alignment.”
The new directors join a 23-member board tasked with setting the strategic direction for the nonprofit, which serves as a primary resource for business growth in West Michigan. Established in 2003, Lakeshore Advantage provides support for startups and established corporations to navigate economic challenges and expansion.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor!
Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage, said the appointments bring expertise essential for anticipating regional needs.
“Their leadership strengthens our ability to anticipate what’s next for our region and to act with purpose as we help companies and communities grow,” Owens said.
Lakeshore Advantage is a nonprofit economic development organization that grows primary employers at all stages of development, plans to ensure long-term economic health and solves economic challenges.
Lakeshore Advantage was established in 2003 by forward-focused business and community leaders to assist primary employers — from startups to established global corporations — as they navigate growth in the Lakeshore region.
Learn more at lakeshoreadvantage.com.
