Growing the Team: MLBA Names Fulltime Executive Director
The Michigan Land Bank Association (MLBA) today announced the appointment of Christopher Germain as the association’s first full-time Executive Director. Germain, a seasoned nonprofit executive and economic development leader, assumes the role this month. Germain succeeds Michelle Thompson, who has served as the organization’s first Executive Director in a part-time capacity since 2024.
The hire comes at a pivotal moment for land banking in Michigan. A recent statewide report found that Michigan's land banks have contributed more than $2.4 billion in economic activity over the last 20 years — a testament to the transformational role land banks play in returning property to productive use and strengthening communities across the state. As more counties establish land banks and existing ones deepen their integration with local economic development partners, MLBA is positioning itself to meet that growth with dedicated professional leadership for the first time in the organization's history.
"Land banks are a true asset in Michigan, and it’s important for MLBA to walk alongside its members by striving to ensure that land banks have the statewide policies, support, and capacity to effectively operate. Hiring a full-time Executive Director is an exciting step in the growth of the organization," said Rachel Nelson, Board Chair of the Michigan Land Bank Association. "Christopher's background in statewide advocacy, membership organization leadership, and economic development makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead MLBA into its next chapter."
In his new role, Germain will pursue critical legislative changes to strengthen land bank sustainability, build partnerships across the economic development, planning, and business communities, and expand MLBA's presence and impact in all corners of Michigan. He will also lead efforts to grow the organization's membership value and long-term financial sustainability as MLBA transitions to a full-time staffed association.
Germain brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of economic development, policy advocacy, and nonprofit leadership. Born and raised in Michigan, he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) in Marquette, where he led the organization's expansion from traditional business development to a comprehensive community economic development approach, secured more than $6.9 million in grants and appropriations, and grew membership, revenue, and team capacity significantly. Prior to LSCP, he spent six years at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as a senior planner with the Redevelopment Ready Communities program — a statewide technical assistance initiative that encourages community-based economic development. He holds a Master's in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University, a Bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University, and is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) as well as an accredited Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).
"My interactions with land banks in previous roles gave me a front row seat to their potential impact," said Germain. "I am excited to expand that knowledge and build on it as Michigan continues to invest in locally focused economic development efforts that make a real difference in communities across the state. Michelle and the entire MLBA Board of Directors have done a wonderful job setting the organization up for success. I’m honored to join the team and build upon that foundation."
Germain will hit the ground running quickly. MLBA's annual land banking Leadership Summit is scheduled for October 7-9 in Battle Creek, and Germain is looking forward to meeting members, learning from their work, and beginning to build the relationships that will define MLBA's next chapter.
You can read the full press release here.
