Ava Pepin (pronounced AY-vuh PEH-pin), experienced in community engagement and project coordination, will join New North Inc. as Business Development Specialist, President and CEO Patti Habeck announced. The appointment becomes effective May 1, 2026.

In the role, Pepin will support the business and corporate attraction efforts, along with the entrepreneurial ecosystem, of New North Inc. Her duties will include project coordination, research and briefing materials, assistance with Requests for Information (RFIs), implementation of strategies serving diverse businesses, support of the NEW Launch Alliance, and engagement with regional partners and stakeholders.

“We look forward to having Ava join the New North team,” says Habeck. “The experience and energy she will add in the areas of project management, stakeholder engagement and storytelling will be assets as we implement our strategic initiatives in the coming months and years.”

Pepin most recently served as marketing and communications coordinator for Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, leading marketing and communications initiatives that promoted its programs, services, community impact and organizational awareness. She developed and managed integrated content strategies, in addition to collaborating with internal teams and community partners.

A December 2024 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay with a bachelor’s degree in democracy and justice studies, she spent her final year as a digital marketing and social media intern for the university’s Continuing Professional Education and Workforce Training department. Pepin is a native of Powers, Mich.

“Having moved to the New North region to attend college, I fell in love with the area and look forward to helping tell its story to companies and individuals looking to relocate,” says Pepin. “Pillars of New North’s work are collaboration and stakeholder engagement, both of which I enjoy. I also am drawn to the organization’s goals of fostering inclusive economic development and empowering diverse entrepreneurs.”

As a UW-Green Bay student, Pepin received the 2024 University Leadership Award. She also was nominated for the Chancellors Medallion that year.

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New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporationfostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com