Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) chose its next leader.
Muskegon County’s economic development agency said Friday, May 6, it appointed Marla Schneider as president and CEO, effective June 1.
She will take the reins from Jim Edmonson, who was hired in 2019 to help implement a three-year transition plan for the organization.
Schneider spent a decade working as the vice president of marketing and communications for Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the lead economic development agency for the Fort Wayne/Allen County, Indiana region.
Most recently, she was president of Three Rivers Distilling Co. in Fort Wayne, which was named the 2021 Small Business of the Year by Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
As GMED president and CEO, she will oversee the county’s economic development programs; cultivate partnerships with businesses, local elected officials, regional and state economic development partners and other stakeholders; and help develop the vision and strategic plan for economic development in Muskegon County.
“I am impressed not only by the natural amenities in the area but also the rigorous efforts to redevelop downtown as an active, modern destination,” Schneider said. “Muskegon County has an abundance of community assets that are critical in our ability to attract and retain workforce talent. I am extremely excited about partnering with leaders, stakeholders and residents to make Muskegon County an even more desirable location for economic development projects.”
GMED Board Chair Tom Zant said the search committee was impressed with Schneider’s marketing skills and background in community engagement.
“We could see right away that Marla has a vision for expanding GMED’s visibility in the community,” Zant said. “That’s an important next step for us after focusing on reorganization the past couple of years. We’re also confident in her ability to develop a long-term strategic plan for the continued success and expansion of Muskegon County’s businesses.”
Schneider has a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology with an emphasis in web, media and human performance from Rochester Institute of Technology. She was named a Fort Wayne Business Weekly Magazine Forty Under 40 winner in 2014.
More information on GMED is at developmuskegon.org.