Staff
 |
Payton Heins, CEcD As President, Payton leads economic development strategy through collaboration with local, state, and national organizations and stakeholders. Payton works with the Board of Directors to steer the NLEA and oversees day-to-day operations. |
 |
Chris Bauer, AICP As the Community and Economic Development Manager, Chris serves as a bridge between private sector economic development and public sector community development. He focuses on building programs that strengthen NLEA’s portfolio and value to our service area. |
 |
Jessica Lovay As Community Development and Grants Specialist, Jess is focused on transformational place-based development projects and initiatives throughout Northern Lower Michigan. Jess helps local units of governments and businesses to leverage financial programs to service their infrastructure and redevelop properties. |
 |
Sam Bailey As Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sam is responsible for strategic projects and initiatives, business intelligence, and educational programming. He leads preparations for the NLEA’s premier educational event, the Northern Lakes Economic Symposium and Showcase. Additionally, he provides business intelligence and economic research to the organization, its investors, and other community stakeholders. |
 |
Tommy Reid As Marketing and Events Coordinator, Tommy is responsible for creating engaging content, managing marketing efforts through social media, email, and printed media, and planning and executing all NLEA events. Tommy also leads NLEA’s Talent Attraction and Retention campaign, Choose the North. Tommy’s contributions to the organization are possible thanks to the generous support of the DTE Energy Foundation. |
