BAY CITY, MI – The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance (GLBRA) has named an interim director as its longtime CEO has left for other opportunities.
GLBRA officials announced Wednesday, Oct. 1, that Matthew Felan has stepped down as president and CEO after 11 years of service, with the board appointing Tera Szeliga as interim executive director.
“I am both humbled and excited for this opportunity,” Szeliga said in a statement. “Together with the board, staff, and community partners, I look forward to advancing our work and deepening our commitment to regionalism in areas where we can make the largest impact.”
Felan will become CEO of Migizi Economic Development Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The tribe has been a longtime investor and partner of the GLBRA, according to the organization.
It’s the second professional move Felan has made this year, the other being the decision to move on from his role as president of the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the next CEO of Migizi,” Felan wrote in a statement. “It is a privilege to serve the people and nation of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. I look forward to building a diverse portfolio of investments that will help ensure the financial sustainability and prosperity of the tribe for the next seven generations.”
The leadership transition at the nonprofit organization, which works to advance regionalism and growth initiatives across an eight-county region, takes effect immediately.
During Felan’s tenure, the GLBRA launched several major initiatives including nationally and state-recognized STEM programming for regional students and the “Hey, Great Lakes Bay!” radio show and podcast created in partnership with WSGW. The organization also established Operation 40K, a population growth initiative under his leadership.
Felan coordinated regional support efforts during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 flood, serving as the public face and voice of the GLBRA while advocating for regional collaboration and resources.
Szeliga joined the GLBRA in 2019 and brings experience from previous roles as director of marketing and community impact at United Way of Bay County and various positions at General Motors Powertrain. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Saginaw Valley State University and is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration from the same institution.
The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board of Directors will oversee the transition as the organization continues its work promoting growth and collaboration across the Great Lakes Bay region.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Matt on his new role and thank him for 11 years of dedicated leadership,” Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board of Director Chair Heather Gallegos said in a statement. “We appreciate Tera’s willingness to step into this interim leadership role and are confident in her ability to guide the Alliance during this transition. Her experience and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we move the organization forward.”