Lenny Avery

ALPENA — Target Alpena Development Corporation (Target) has appointed Lenny Avery as its new Executive Director, effective Jan 1.

Avery will succeed Michael Mahler who is retiring at the end of the year.

Target Board President Ken Dragiewicz led the search process for the Nominating Committee that chose Lenny to take on this role. Dragiewicz acknowledged “there were several strong candidates but, in the end, the passion, hard work, and creative thinking Avery has demonstrated were among the reasons for his selection. Lenny has been a key player in the pursuit of grant funding for Alpena and Presque Isle counties, along with tireless work to address the housing shortage across the broader region. We respect and appreciate his energy and get it done attitude to improving the quality of life for all who live in Northeast Michigan which is in direct alignment with Target’s mission statement.”

Mahler offered “Lenny knows how to open doors, pursue funding and is willing to undertake any challenge no matter how big or small. Those skills are unique and needed if we are going to get the attention we need from the leaders in Lansing.” Mahler continued, “Lenny has the relevant experience, and his background aligns with Target’s mission.

During Avery’s three years with Target, he has undertaken and accomplished many important things all the while pursuing and gaining a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University. His capstone project in graduate school is the blueprint being used to help address the housing shortage regionally.”

Avery expressed “his honor and excitement for the role and looks forward to continuing to build on the regional momentum and looks forward to leveraging funding through the State and Federal agencies in support of our mission.”

Avery further commented that he is “looking forward to Target leading the construction in 2026 of homes in Alpena and Presque Isle counties through our newly formed development subsidiary the Lake Huron Regional Housing Development Corporation (LHRDC) along with extending our support of small businesses through our small business development hub. We have many important things underway, and I look forward to carrying the mantle into the future.”