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ALPENA -- The Target Alpena Board of Directors has announced that Andrew Thomson, an Alpena native and longtime community leader in Chelsea, Michigan, will serve as the organization's new executive director.
Following a two-month search that drew 30 applicants, the Board selected Thomson to lead Target Alpena into its next chapter of growth and opportunity. He will begin his new role on Oct, 5. succeeding former Executive Director Mike Mahler, who has served as interim executive director.
"I am pleased to announce that our hiring committee voted unanimously to extend an offer to Andrew Thomson as our new executive director," said Board President Dennis Werner. "Andrew brings strong leadership, communication and organizational skills, along with a genuine passion for Northeast Michigan. He is eager to engage with local leaders, community members and stakeholders, and we are confident he is the right person to lead Target Alpena forward."
Thomson is an Alpena native with deep ties to the community. He graduated from Alpena High School, attended Alpena Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan. He comes from a family with a long history of public service in education and law enforcement.
Thomson spent the majority of his career in Chelsea, Michigan, serving in a variety of community-focused roles. For 14 years, he served as Adult & Youth Enrichment Coordinator, where he grew the operational budget from $100,000 to $1.2 million while overseeing youth and adult recreation, K-6 sports, early childhood education, summer camps and pool programming.
He also served as head coach of the Chelsea High School men's and women's swim teams, leading a successful program while building strong relationships with athletes, parents, and school administrators. His experience includes grant writing, budgeting, program development and uniting people around a common goal.
The hiring committee was particularly impressed with Thomson's preparation throughout the interview process, his strong communication skills and his enthusiasm for returning to his hometown to serve the community.
"Andrew has a very approachable style and a genuine passion for Alpena and Northeast Michigan," said Werner. "He understands the importance of bringing people together, building relationships and creating opportunities, and those qualities will be important as Target Alpena moves forward."
For the past 25 years, Target Alpena Development Corporation 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.
With Thomson's leadership, Target Alpena looks forward to building on that work and strengthening its role as a connector, collaborator and advocate for economic opportunity throughout Northeast Michigan.