One of the most notable business leaders and forward-thinking achievers in our region is moving. (image courtesy of the Tri-City Area Journal of Business)

 Michael Novakovich going to Columbia Industries

In a letter released Friday, May 6th Novakovich announced that effective July 1st, he is leaving his post of leadership at Visit Tri-Cities, and taking over as CEO of Columbia Industries.

His letter read in part:

"I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities as of July 1st, 2022. I have been offered and I have accepted the position of CEO with Columbia Industries."

He also thanked Visit TC in his letter:

"I want to thank you, the Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors, for the support I have received over the past four years and the opportunities that have been provided to me."

Novakovich led the business-tourism-development group through the tough times of COVID, and under his leadership, the group earned three major awards for their work.

Prior to Visit TC, he led some of the most successful growth and expansion of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center.

  Novakovich will lead Columbia Industries

Columbia Industries has grown into one of the leading vocational training, employment, and opportunity industries in the entire west. They offer training for special needs persons, development and assistance programs, and a variety of much-utilized business services, including CI Shred--the well-known document shredding and security company.

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He will be the 'permanent' replacement for interim CEO Eric Van Winkle, who took over for former CEO Brian McDermott. The company employs some 240 persons in a variety of capacities.

 

READ MORE: See 50 remote jobs that can pay well

 

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