Economic development firm adds two new executives
From left to right: Holly Benesch, Heidi Peterson | Photo courtesy of Waséyabek
Waséyabek, a Native American economic development firm, announced the hiring of two top-level executives. Heidi Peterson has been selected to serve as Chief Operating Officer and Holly Benesch has been appointed Chief People Officer.
Peterson brings 26 years of operational leadership and executive experience to the new role. Before joining Waséyabek, she worked in several executive roles with Haworth Corporation in Holland, as well as positions with Tennant Corporation in Holland, and Parker Hannifin in Cleveland. She also held leadership roles with Johnson Controls Automotive. Her extensive background positions her well to drive strategic growth and operational excellence for the organization.
“We’re extremely pleased to have Heidi join our rapidly growing company,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO of Waséyabek. “Heidi is skilled in driving significant improvements in key operational metrics and aligning people and processes. She has a track record of innovation and business growth in several of our key verticals, and she practices a leadership style that empowers others around her. She’s a great fit for our executive team.”
Waséyabek is the non-gaming economic development entity of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribe based in southwest Michigan. Its portfolio of non-gaming investments totals more than 30 entities, encompassing over 900 employees throughout North America.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join such a diverse and dynamic organization,” said Peterson. “Waséyabek’s economic development performance over the past five years has been exceptional and has brought greater visibility and credibility to Native American economic influence. I look forward to working with the entire Waséyabek team to build on that success.”
Peterson will lead the economic development efforts for Waséyabek, ensuring that they are consistent with the organization's five-year strategic plan. She will also support the CEO in providing oversight and strategic support to Waséyabek’s industrial, real estate, and federal portfolio companies.
Benesch was promoted to Chief People Officer, an evolution of the Chief Human Resources Officer role. She has more than 16 years’ experience as a human resources executive, including serving the past two years as Vice President of Human Resources for Waséyabek's Federal Group.
“We have had the privilege of working with Holly since we acquired majority ownership of VES in 2023, and we have found her people skills and strategic thinking to be exceptional,” said Mitchell. “She brings a deep level of experience to this position having worked with a broad range of businesses as well as with government contracting employees stationed around the country. She’s a talented addition to our corporate leadership staff.”
Throughout her career, Benesch has displayed a thoughtful and relational approach to leadership, one that values both operational excellence and the unique contributions of every individual. She strives to lead with grace, wisdom, and integrity, viewing leadership as an opportunity to serve others and help them reach their potential. She believes the strongest organizations are those that invest in people, cultivate meaningful relationships, and create environments where employees can grow, contribute, and flourish.
“The power of any organization starts with the people who work together to achieved shared goals,” said Benesch. “To do that, they must be able to thrive in a culture that is inviting, accepting, and nourishes their personal and professional aspirations. I have seen that very culture here at Waséyabek over the last three years and I look forward to building on that foundation.”
Benesch will lead Waséyabek's people strategy in the areas of talent acquisition, employee experience, organizational development, culture, engagement, leadership development, compensation and benefits, and HR operations.
West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners
Community
- Ada
- Algoma
- Allegan
- Allegan County
- Allendale
- Alto
- Baldwin
- Baltimore Township
- Barry County
- Battle Creek
- Belding
- Belmont
- Benton Harbor
- Berrien Springs
- Bridgman
- Bryon Center
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cannonsburg
- Carlton Township
- Carson City
- Cascade
- Cedar Springs
- Cloversville
- Comstock Park
- Coopersville
- Creston
- Crockery Township
- Douglas
- East Grand Rapids
- Eastmanville
- Eastown
- Eaton Rapids
- Fennville
- Ferrysburg
- Forest Hills
- Fruitport
- Georgetown Township
- Grand Haven
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Greenville
- Hamilton
- Hart
- Hastings
- Hastings Township
- Holland
- Hope Township
- Hopkins
- Hudsonville
