Samyn takes over as interim at the helm of Bay Future, Inc.

It’s a position she’s well familiar with. When Bay Future, Inc. was in transition a few years ago, Magen Samyn, President and CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, stepped in to fill the gap. 

Now, nearly three months after the resignation of Jim Reaume as President and CEO of Bay Future, Inc., Samyn is again stepping into that role. 

Reaume announced his resignation effective October 23, 2025, after 16 months presiding over the local economic development arm, saying he was honored to be part of the organization and all they’ve accomplished together. There was no reason given for his resignation at the time.

Samyn, who is also a member of the Bay Future, Inc. Board, was appointed as Interim President and CEO in early February. 

“We’re co-located,” she says, “And I was formerly the CEO of the organization, so with our co-location, it was a natural fit to be able to provide additional support.”

There is no timeline for what will happen next or how long Samyn will be in the position. “The end goal being about the correct strategic decision and path forward,” says Todd Gregory, Chair of the Board of Directors of Bay Future, Inc.

Gregory says the primary objective is staying focused on the long-term success of the organization. Bay Future, Inc. works to help local business expansion, while finding ways to bring in new business and job opportunities. 

“As part of a strategy to accomplish these objectives, we intend to seek the counsel of an outside consultant to assist the board,” says Gregory. “Magen’s leadership ability will provide the board and its process the necessary time.” 

For the time being, Samyn says she will be managing the day-to-day at Bay Future, Inc., but she will also serve in her position as President and CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. 

“Our organizations have many synergies, with us being co-located, and this alignment really allows for stronger, more effective collaboration.” 

Since she has already worked with the organization, she says the Chamber is able to support Bay Future, Inc., while the Board of Directors is looking for a permanent solution. Samyn says the important thing is that “the focus is on finding the right permanent solution.” 

At this point, there is no discussion about what that “right permanent solution” is, but Scott Nemode, Chair of the Personnel Committee, says a permanent path forward is their focus. “Bay Future, Inc. continues to strengthen collaboration with public and private partners, positioning the region for long-term economic growth.” 

The focus of Bay Future, Inc., since its inception in 2004, has been growing economic opportunities in the county. Over the past nearly 22 years, the organization has helped with the expansion of business throughout Bay City and Monitor Township, along the U.S. 10 corridor, and helped facilitate the transformation of environmental brownfields into new business. 

“Bay Future plays a vital role in advancing economic opportunity in Bay County, and my priority is to ensure continuity, support our partners, and keep momentum moving forward as we work together on the next chapter of leadership,” says Samyn.

While Samyn says both the Chamber and Bay Future, Inc., will continue their individual focuses, she looks forward to seeing what’s next for the economic development arm. “Bay Future plays a vital role in advancing economic opportunity in Bay County, and my priority is to ensure continuity, support our partners, and keep momentum moving forward as we work together on the next chapter of leadership.”

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