Sault Ste. Marie, MI, August 1, 2025: Headwaters North, a regional SmartZone focused on advancing innovation and economic opportunity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, today announced the appointment of Nikki Storey as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Storey brings more than a decade of leadership experience as President of the Marine Trades Institute (MTI), formerly Great Lakes Boat Building School, where she built one of the nation’s most respected marine education and workforce development institutions. Her appointment signals a bold new chapter for Headwaters North and the broader Sault Ste. Marie innovation corridor.
“Nikki is a visionary leader with deep roots in this region and an extraordinary reputation for turning bold ideas into real-world results,” said Mayor Don Gerrie, Chairman of the Headwaters North Board. “She understands how to grow talent, attract investment, and build coalitions—all of which are essential as we work to position the Soo as a hub for Blue Economy innovation.”
During her tenure at MTI, Storey led the school through accreditation, expansion, and industry-aligned program development, while securing major donor and public investments. That same entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to regional prosperity will now drive Headwaters North’s next phase of growth.
Strategic Crossover: From the Waterfront to the Innovation Frontline
Storey’s transition reflects a powerful alignment between her leadership at MTI and the mission of Headwaters North:
- Talent Pipeline Expertise: At MTI, she built education-to-career pathways that serve both industry needs and community aspirations—experience that directly supports Headwaters’ focus on scalable workforce innovation.
- Blue Economy Leadership: With deep sector knowledge in marine trades, Storey brings subject matter fluency to Headwaters North’s efforts to expand Blue Tech and freshwater-based innovation.
- Donor and Industry Networks: Her proven ability to forge lasting partnerships with donors, employers, and legislators will now serve the broader innovation ecosystem.
- Rural Voice and Vision: Storey’s strong regional identity and storytelling acumen position her to elevate the unique opportunities of the Eastern Upper Peninsula on a statewide and national stage.
“This region is special to me, not just for what it’s done, but for what I know it can do,” said Storey. What we built at MTI wasn’t just a school, it was a statement about who we are and what this region and its residents are capable of accomplishing. I’m bringing that same energy and optimism to Headwaters North. I believe the Eastern Upper Peninsula is ready to lead; with innovation, grit, and heart. This is our moment to take that story even further and position the EUP as a national force in resilience and forward-thinking growth.”
Storey’s first priorities will include launching a regional innovation strategy, convening ecosystem partners, and mapping out investment opportunities in the Blue Economy, rural entrepreneurship, and smart manufacturing sectors.
She will officially begin her role on August 11, 2025.
About Headwaters North
Headwaters North is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula. As an official SmartZone, Headwaters North provides resources and support to technology-based startups and growing businesses, with a special focus on the region’s Blue Economy.
To learn more, visit www.headwatersnorth.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/headwatersnorth.