The Great Lakes Sports Commission recently announced that Brigitte LaPointe, chief executive officer of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), has been selected to the GLSC board of directors.
LaPointe grew up in the KBIC and was named chief executive officer in July of 2021. She is described as a visionary tribal leader with the ability to make high level business decisions while confidently managing teams and effectively leading people within an organization. LaPointe’s ability to creatively resolve problems has a played a role in positive change.
“We are thrilled to have Brigitte join the board. Her diverse background and leadership in wellness, athletics and recreation is exactly the kind of experience we need for northern Michigan,” said Douglas Luciani, chair of the Great Lakes Sports Commission.
Prior to joining KBIC, Brigitte was employed as the director of strategic initiatives for the Upper Peninsula Health Plan in Marquette for 6 years. She attended Finlandia University to study physical therapy and played for the women’s basketball team. Following her passion for health and wellness, LaPointe also served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board of Marquette County, the Lake Superior Community Partnership Economic Development Board, coached basketball for LevelUP Express Basketball and Marquette Public School and was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health & Sports.
“I learned first-hand the countless benefits and opportunities that exist from playing sports as a youth in the Upper Peninsula”. I am excited to be a part of a group of like-minded individuals to grow tourism and overall sporting events in our region and assist in making northern Michigan the premiere destination for this type of attraction,” said LaPointe.
A native of Baraga, LaPointe received her associates degree as a physical therapy assistant from Finlandia, a bachelor’s in sports science and a master’s in exercise science from Northern Michigan University, and a second master’s in management, strategy, and leadership from Michigan State University.