ALPENA — The Target Alpena Board of Directors announced on Wednesday that it is launching a search for its next executive director. This news came out of the board’s monthly meeting on

Tuesday.

According to a Target Alpena Development Corporation press release on Wednesday, former Executive Director Mike Mahler will serve as interim executive director, providing leadership and continuity while the board identifies the best candidate to guide Target into its next chapter.

“Mike’s Mahler’s deep familiarity with our region’s business landscape ensures that

our ongoing economic initiatives will move forward seamlessly during this

transition,” Dennis Werner, board president of Target Alpena, said in the release.

For the past 25 years, Target Alpena has worked to strengthen the economic well-being and quality of life throughout Northeast Michigan. The organization supports entrepreneurs and small businesses, collaborates with local governments and community partners, advocates for regional resources, and works with developers and business leaders to encourage investment and economic growth across the region.

According to the release, the board remains committed to Target Alpena’s mission and looks

forward to selecting a leader who will advance economic development opportunities for Alpena and the surrounding communities.