Travis Alden

Travis Alden has a diverse and extensive work experience in community development, economic development, and operational management. Travis has held various leadership roles in different organizations, showcasing their expertise in transforming communities and driving development initiatives.

From 2019 to the present, Travis has been serving as the Senior Director of Community Development at The Right Place, Inc. In this role, they focus on place-based development projects and initiatives in West Michigan, specializing in rural community development. Travis oversees areas such as smart growth planning, infrastructure, community engagement, and site redevelopment.

Prior to this, Travis served as the Director of Business Development at The Right Place, Inc. from 2019 to 2021. Travis led the rural economic development efforts in five West Michigan counties and directly coordinated activities in Ionia County.

From 2016 to 2019, Travis held the position of President at the Barry County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Alliance. Travis led two community development organizations simultaneously, managing employees and volunteers while overseeing outreach and promotional activities.

In their role as Executive Manager at Historic Vogue Theatre of Manistee from 2013 to 2016, Travis demonstrated their leadership and vision by effectively managing all operational and programming aspects of the non-profit historic cinema. Travis managed employees and volunteers, planned diverse cinematic programming, and organized special events.

Between 2009 and 2013, Travis worked as the Main Street/DDA Director at Manistee Downtown Development Authority. Travis coordinated downtown revitalization activities, developed partnerships, and initiated strategic planning.

Additionally, Travis has experience as the Festival Director at Hardacre Film & Cinema Festival, Community Development Director at the City of Tipton, and Production Coordinator at NLTV. Travis also worked as a Production Assistant at City Channel 4 and served as an Americorps Youth Advocate at Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.

Throughout their career, Travis Alden has consistently demonstrated their dedication to community and economic development, effectively managing teams, fostering partnerships, and driving impactful projects and initiatives.

Travis Alden completed an accelerated program at Andrews University, specifically at the Berrien County Math & Science Center, from 1994 to 1998. Travis then pursued a Bachelor's Degree at Grand Valley State University from 1998 to 2002, majoring in Communications with a focus on Film & Video Production. Additionally, they completed a minor in Philosophy during their time at Grand Valley State University.