Lakeshore Advantage has named an interim president as the organization begins a formal search to replace outgoing leader Jennifer Owens.
Mandy Cooper, senior vice president of strategic growth, will assume the role July 25. Owens is departing to become CEO of Southwest Michigan First, according to an announcement made in late June.
The Lakeshore Advantage Board of Directors will conduct a formal search for a permanent president, but hasn’t yet set a timeline, according to director of marketing and communications Grace Maiullo.
Cooper was selected for her leadership and familiarity with the organization, according to Board Chair Kyle Verplank.
“She has earned the trust of employers, community partners, elected officials and our team,” he wrote.
Cooper joined Lakeshore Advantage in 2018. She’ll focus on advancing the organization’s priorities, including supporting primary employer growth and addressing long-term challenges like housing, infrastructure and site readiness, according to the release.
Owens, meanwhile, is leaving after more than a decade with the economic development organization. During her tenure, the agency supported business expansion projects in Ottawa County and Allegan County totaling more than $2 billion in private investment and more than 2,300 jobs.
She also helped establish The Next Center in Holland, which now houses more than 50 early-stage startups, Lakeshore Advantage and the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce.
Owens called her time with the organization “one of the greatest privileges” of her career.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Lakeshore Advantage names interim president as formal search begins
Reporting by Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
