About Bay Future

Mark Hitchcock serves as the Economic Development Manager for Bay Future, Inc., bringing a strong commitment to community advancement and a diverse background in public service and nonprofit leadership.

A native of Bay City, Michigan, Mark served honorably for 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserve, including a deployment to Iraq in 2004–2005. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Northwood University, along with an associate degree from Delta College.

Mark offers a wealth of experience from the nonprofit sector, with a focus on executive leadership and client-centered public service roles. His dedication to community and economic development is grounded in both his professional expertise and his personal commitment to service.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys playing ice hockey and golf. He is also actively involved in volunteer work with several Veteran-focused organizations, continuing his mission to support and uplift fellow Veterans within the community.

Sarah joined Bay Future in October of 2024 and has used her portfolio of experiences and skills to make an impact within the organization. 

Prior to Bay Future, Sarah spent 20 years at Town & Country Electric, Inc. in roles such as Business Manager and Office Manager. Before that she was the Business Manager for The Valley Vanguard, which is the student newspaper at Saginaw Valley State University. 

Sarah was born and raised in Bay County and is a graduate of Michigan Lutheran Seminary. She earned a BBA in Marketing from Saginaw Valley State University.  Sarah lives in Frankenlust Township with her husband, daughter, and son. She enjoys reading, attending sporting events, and camping in Michigan during the summer.

Michelle Judd is a professional small business consultant based in Bay County, Michigan, as well as a seasoned entrepreneur and university professor at Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State University. With over 30 years of experience spanning hospitality, retail, publishing, restaurants, bars, and real estate, she offers practical expertise in business strategy, operations, and marketing.

As both an educator and business owner and manager, Michelle is known for delivering thoughtful, results-oriented advice that helps clients overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

She holds a B.A. in Advertising from Michigan State University and an M.B.A. from Saginaw Valley State University.