Lucas, a Marquette-area resident and Michigan native, was appointed by LSCP’s board of directors earlier this month after a nationwide search that commenced last summer. She was selected as a

result of her 20-year career in economic development, small and rural community development and housing.

Lucas will take the reins from Amy Clickner, who is retiring from the position. Clickner has been CEO since LSCP’s inception in 1998.

Under Clickner’s leadership, “LSCP earned recognition for being among the best local economic development organizations nationally as it intensified efforts to grow investment in the (Upper Peninsula’s) natural resource sector, including mining, forestry and tourism,” a news release states. “The Marquette County region has also seen health care, higher education, small business and entrepreneurial industries seize opportunities to put down roots here. As a result, regional wealth indicators continue their positive trajectory.

“The LSCP, Marquette County and the entirety of the U.P. has benefited from Clickner’s long and passionate commitment to improving the quality of life of the region through economic development.”

AMY CLICKNER

Clickner said she’s grateful for her time at LSCP.

“Nearly 24 years ago, the founders of the LSCP took a chance on a young girl from Negaunee with their brand- new organization, and I will forever be grateful for all of the opportunities that decision has provided me and my family,” she said. “As the LSCP continues its mission of improving prosperity and quality of life for people of our area, I have the utmost confidence in Sarah Lucas. Her experience, professionalism, passion for our work and life in the U.P. make her ideally suited to take the reins.”

LSCP Board Chair and Vice President of Business Development and Communications for the Upper Peninsula Power Company Brett French thanked Clickner for her contributions over the years.

“Amy’s contributions to the economic well-being of our community will be everlasting,” French said.

Lucas said she is excited for the opportunity.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead the LSCP right when our community and region need our best efforts in recovering from the pandemic’s severe economic blow,” she said. “Our community, its businesses and families are reeling from economic conditions that require the LSCP’s focus, speed and agility to get investment and job creation back into motion ASAP. With Marquette County as the U.P.’s economic hub and the LSCP as its voice for economic growth, we must take a leadership role and I am both excited and confident we are prepared to do just that.

“Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with small communities and rural areas to address their unique economic development challenges. I understand how valuable cross-sector partnerships and organizations like the LSCP are in developing solutions and advocating for economic development and investment opportunity.”

Lucas has served on regional and statewide boards, including the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, Homestretch Housing, the Opportunity Resource Fund and the Michigan Association of Planning, where she currently serves as board president.

Most recently, Lucas spearheaded the formation of Housing North, a regional organization devoted to addressing housing needs. The organization has been recognized statewide for its expertise and influence in addressing Michigan’s housing deficits.

Lucas worked with Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region to lead a regional economic development planning initiative for “building back stronger” in the region’s post-pandemic economy, according to the news release.

French said Lucas is “the right person to help the LSCP forge our next era of economic growth.”

“She is a proven leader and a valued partner in addressing housing needs and stimulating economic growth throughout northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Marquette County holds tremendous promise for business development, capital investment and quality job creation and the LSCP leads that charge,” he said. “I’m confident that with Sarah at the helm, Marquette County and the whole region will continue to prosper.”

For more information on the LSCP and its initiatives, visit www.marquette.org.