Lakeshore Advantage has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors.
Dave DeGraaf, chief executive officer of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi Automation Division; Olaf Huebner, president and CEO of Plascore; Dr. John Selmon, president of Muskegon Community College; and Ottawa County Administrator Patrick Waterman, were elected to join the board with terms beginning last month.
“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.”
Joining a 23-member board, the new directors will contribute to setting the organization’s strategic direction and advising on initiatives to support businesses and communities in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
“These leaders understand the interconnected nature of business growth, talent development, and community well-being,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “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.”
DeGraaf, Huebner and Selmon will serve three-year terms for up to three terms. Waterman will serve as an ex-officio member of the board in his role as Ottawa County administrator. A complete list of current board members can be found at lakeshoreadvantage.com/about-us/our-team-board.
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 www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.
Dave DeGraaf, chief executive officer of JR Automation and general manager of Hitachi Automation Division; Olaf Huebner, president and CEO of Plascore; Dr. John Selmon, president of Muskegon Community College; and Ottawa County Administrator Patrick Waterman, were elected to join the board with terms beginning last month.
“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.”
Joining a 23-member board, the new directors will contribute to setting the organization’s strategic direction and advising on initiatives to support businesses and communities in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
“These leaders understand the interconnected nature of business growth, talent development, and community well-being,” Lakeshore Advantage president Jennifer Owens said. “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.”
DeGraaf, Huebner and Selmon will serve three-year terms for up to three terms. Waterman will serve as an ex-officio member of the board in his role as Ottawa County administrator. A complete list of current board members can be found at lakeshoreadvantage.com/about-us/our-team-board.
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 www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.
