Events - Event View

Jason Slade is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Northwestern Michigan College.  In this executive role, Jason leads the execution of the college’s new strategic plan, NMC Next, as the college works to meet the future needs of its learners and the community. Jason also oversees workforce and professional development, the International Affairs Forum, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, as well as University partnerships. The development of the new Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, in partnership with Discovery Center, 20Fathoms, Traverse Connect and Michigan Tech, is an area Slade is very focused on. 

Prior to this role, Jason was NMC’s Director of the Technical Academic Area, which focused on industry-driven education including automotive, construction trades, engineering technology, marine technology, manufacturing, surveying, welding, unmanned aerial systems, apprenticeships, and more. These programs serve more than 300 students per semester. 

Pathways to the workforce include internships, apprenticeships, and graduation. He previously served as a faculty member in the Engineering Technology program.

Jason serves on the executive board for Newton's Road (focused on STEM education and awareness) and is a member of various advisory and career readiness committees throughout the region including the Career and Education Advisory Committee (CEAC). He has strong ties to the community and is an advocate for career and technical education.

Jason has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University. Previous career experience includes program  coordinator and lead faculty for the Electronics and Electrical Program at Mott Community College and electrical engineer in the automotive industry. 

Jason's passion is connecting students and the community with high-demand careers in technology. Like any good engineer, he sees an opportunity to build an even more effective network to support students and businesses in order to expand employment opportunities and fuel a thriving Grand Traverse region. He’s excited to collaborate with other leaders across all sectors to achieve this goal!

Matt McDonough is the CEO of Discovery Center & Pier. Originally from southwestern Michigan, Matt has a Bachelor’s degree in Resource Development with an emphasis in Water Resources from Michigan State University.

After college, Matt worked in the fields of water rights and fisheries in Montana, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. He then moved across the pond to be a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon (west Africa) where he worked with fish farmers. Upon his return, Matt began a 20-year career in land conservation that started in southwestern Michigan and led to his move to Traverse City in 2000. 

Matt became the first CEO of the Discovery Center & Pier in 2019. Under his leadership, The Discovery Center developed its first educational and recreational programs and raised over $13million for the redevelopment of Traverse City’s former coal dock and the campus across the road.

He now spends nearly 100% of his time fundraising and working with architects, construction managers and partners toward the development of the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center.

Matt serves on the Board of TART Trails, is a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan and is a volunteer with Norte.