FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2026

Contact:

Grace Maiullo

Lakeshore Advantage

616.772.5226 x203

Grace.maiullo@lakeshoreadvantage.com

LAKESHORE ADVANTAGE CELEBRATES JENNIFER OWENS’ 

LEADERSHIP AS SHE BEGINS NEW ROLE 

During 12 years of leadership, Owens helped advance more than $2 billion in private investment, support the creation of 2,300 jobs and bring The Next Center to life

HOLLAND, Mich. — June 30, 2026 — Lakeshore Advantage President Jennifer Owens has accepted the position of CEO at Southwest Michigan First and will conclude her tenure with Lakeshore Advantage on July 24.

Owens has led Lakeshore Advantage for the past 12 years, helping strengthen the organization’s role as a trusted partner to employers, entrepreneurs and communities across Allegan and Ottawa counties. During her tenure, Lakeshore Advantage supported business expansion projects representing more than $2 billion in private investment and the creation of more than 2,300 jobs. She also played a central role in raising more than $10 million to launch The Next Center, now home to more than 50 early-stage startups.

“Jennifer has been a transformational leader for Lakeshore Advantage, and we could not be prouder to see her step into this next chapter,” said Jeff Stutz, chair of the Lakeshore Advantage board of directors. “Under her leadership, we built a high-performing team and a durable foundation of data-driven strategy, trusted investor relationships and measurable community impact. That foundation is exactly why Lakeshore Advantage is so well positioned for what comes next. Our board and talented staff will carry this momentum forward without missing a step. We are grateful for all Jennifer has built here and wish her every success.”

The Lakeshore Advantage Board of Directors has initiated a transition process to identify an interim president, followed by a formal search for the organization’s next leader. The interim president will be announced before Owens’ departure.

“Leading Lakeshore Advantage has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Owens said. “I am immensely proud of this team and grateful to the investors, employers, entrepreneurs, community leaders and partners who have worked alongside us to advance this region. Lakeshore Advantage is well positioned for the future, with a talented team, a clear strategic direction and important work ahead.”

Lakeshore Advantage will continue delivering on the priorities outlined in its strategic plan, including supporting the growth of primary employers, advancing entrepreneurship, strengthening talent and workforce solutions, and helping communities address long-term competitiveness challenges.

“Jennifer has led Lakeshore Advantage with tremendous vision, heart and conviction in the future of this region,” said Kyle Verplank, incoming board chair of the Lakeshore Advantage Board of Directors. “Her impact can be seen not only in the projects and investments she helped advance, but in the strong team, partnerships and organization she leaves behind. The Board has great confidence in the Lakeshore Advantage team and in the organization’s ability to continue moving this work forward.”

About Lakeshore Advantage

Lakeshore Advantage is the economic development organization serving Allegan and Ottawa Counties in West Michigan. Since 2003, it has supported the growth of primary employers—ranging from startups to global corporations—by solving economic challenges and fostering long-term regional prosperity. Last year, Lakeshore Advantage facilitated $243.9 million in private sector investments, helped businesses secure $44.7 million in support funds, and helped create or retain over 550 jobs. Learn more at www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.

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