Lake Superior Community Partnership Appoints New CEO

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MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – Christopher Germain has been hired as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) by the organization’s board of directors and will take office beginning in June 2022.

Germain is currently employed as a Senior Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Planner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

In his current role, Germain works with communities to align their vision and plans with streamlined development processes and practices to create vibrant communities with an increasing quality of life to grow and attract more investment. It works with 29 Upper Peninsula communities including Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Michigamme Township, L’Anse, Norway and Iron Mountain. During his time with the DRR program, Germain helped grow the program’s reach from 47 to more than 300 communities statewide, expand its technical assistance offerings, improve its training tools, and implement implement important efficiency processes.

Prior to working with MEDC, Germain served as a waste and recycling planner at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, worked as a legislative assistant at the Ohio State House, and led a Statehouse campaign in rural Ohio. Germain holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from The Ohio State University. He holds a credential from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).

“We are delighted to welcome Christopher to the LSCP team,” said Board Chair Roxanne Daust. “His qualifications are a perfect fit with the vision and direction that LSCP has developed over the past year and will help us continue to improve our collaborative initiatives and partnerships with businesses and communities. His expertise in economic and community development and his close relationships with the communities of our region will be considerable assets for our organization and our economy.

Germain was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides with his partner in Grand Rapids. He plans to move and start working with the LSCP in early June.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the LSCP team and return to the Upper Peninsula,” said Germain. “Returning north is a long-standing personal goal. The work that the LSCP team does around economic and community development – ​​which are one – will maintain its status as a premier economic development organization and keep the region’s positive momentum going.

“It’s no secret that the region faces challenges including a low housing inventory, limited child care options and a historically tight labor market,” Germain said. “The LSCP has taken the lead in facilitating solutions in collaboration with businesses, communities and partner organizations in a way that will pay dividends for years to come. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the LSCP staff, Board and partners on these initiatives.

Current LSCP CEO Sarah Lucas was recently appointed to the new Michigan State Office of Rural Development and is excited to continue working with the region in her new role. Lucas’ last day at the LSCP is April 15. To ensure continuity and continued momentum on all LSCP strategic priorities during the CEO transition period, Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (DAEDA), will serve as interim CEO, while continuing to occupy his current position.

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