Matthew Valiquette has been named the new operations manager for the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and the U.P. State Fair, according to an announcement made today. Valiquette, who brings a wealth of experience to the role, will be responsible for overseeing strategic planning, policy development, and day-to-day operations for the organizations.

Valiquette’s previous experience includes serving as the executive director of the Bay Area Workforce Development Board in Green Bay, where he led a diverse board of directors and managed more than $50 million in grants over a ten-year period. He is also a retired military intelligence officer with a 21-year active-duty career in the U.S. Marine Corps, which included multiple combat tours in Iraq. Valiquette holds a master’s degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, a bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio State University, and an associate’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland.

In his new role, Valiquette will be responsible for developing and implementing operational policies and procedures, supervising maintenance personnel, and ensuring that the organizations’ valuable resources are used as efficiently as possible. His extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, and grant management will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of both the Delta County Chamber of Commerce and the U.P. State Fair.

Valiquette is excited to return to his hometown of Escanaba and is looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“I am honored to have been selected for this important role and am eager to work with the board of directors, staff, and volunteers to continue building on the success of these great organizations,” he said.

Matthew Valiquette