Marshall Economic Development Alliance Names New CEO

Amanda Lankerd will become the next chief executive officer of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance, bringing a familiar local leader back to work focused directly on Marshall’s business growth.

The alliance announced her selection on November 2nd, 2026, after an extensive search, and said she will begin the role on November 30th, 2026.

Lankerd has served as chief executive officer of the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS since December 2017.

Her background spans more than two decades in business and nonprofit management, including earlier leadership work with Project 20/20, the Generation E Institute, Battle Creek Unlimited and Marshall Economic Development.

That experience has included supporting startups, recruiting and retaining businesses, administering grant and public-art programs, helping develop an arts incubator and working on expansion of Marshall’s industrial and research park.

The appointment puts an experienced local economic-development professional in charge at a consequential moment for Marshall.

The alliance, also known through the Choose Marshall name, connects businesses and developers with growth resources, available property information and local, state and federal programs.

Lankerd is a longtime Marshall resident and currently serves as president of the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education, a term that runs through 2030.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in general business from Western Michigan University and is a Harwood Certified Coach.

Her return to a full-time Marshall economic-development role creates continuity between past local work and the alliance’s next phase.

For businesses and residents, the leadership change matters because the alliance helps shape recruitment, expansion support, workforce connections and long-range development strategy across the Marshall area.

Q: When does Amanda Lankerd begin as MAEDA CEO?

A: She is scheduled to start on November 30th, 2026.

Q: What is Amanda Lankerd’s current role?

A: She has led the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS since December 2017.

Q: What does the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance do?

A: It connects businesses, developers and site selectors with resources for growth, property development and workforce needs in the Marshall area.