About the Blue Water Young Professionals

The Blue Water Young Professionals (BWYP) is a nonprofit community group that prides itself on enhancing the Blue Water Area. Started in the fall of 2009, we’ve continued to grow and prosper in both membership and involvement in our community. In the spring of 2011, through our “I Will Stay If…” initiative, the BWYP identified two areas of focus with the help of area residents. Our two main focus areas are downtown & nightlife enhancement and arts appreciation and growth. It is our belief that placemaking is one of, if not the key element in today’s economy. Developing an attractive place draws the type of young, creative people who in turn create jobs and stability for the future.

Our Mission

The BWYP mission is to be a catalyst of community enhancement for the Blue Water Area by collaborating with fellow forward-thinking, community-oriented individuals who are active in the civic, social and business activities of our region. We plan all of our activities around making the Blue Water Area a place where young professionals want to stay, play, shop and give back! The two main focus areas of the BWYP is downtown & nightlife enhancement and arts appreciation and growth.

Board of Directors

Maggie has also helped with Kegs N Ks, Bed Races and as the game master for the YMCA’s  Amazing Race fundraiser, which the YPs partnered on.

She earned her bachelor’s in communication with a minor in history from Saginaw Valley State University, and works as a Key Account Repair Coordinator/Customer Service Representative at Mapal. 

In her free time, Maggie loves to watch hockey and will always support the Detroit Red Wings. She also enjoys traveling across the world and spending time with her family.

He likes that everyone in the group is welcoming and relaxed, and uses it as a way to connect with old friends and new.

Austin works as a staff accountant at Stewart, Beauvais, & Whipple, P.C. (now UHY) and earned his master’s in business administration from West Virginia Wesleyan College.

When he’s not busy with work, Austin coaches varsity basketball at Port Huron Northern.

In his free time, he plays basketball and spends money locally. Whether that be hanging out downtown bowling at the Zebra Bar with friends, or just a night out at a downtown restaurant with his wife, Christen.

Shelby works at SMG Marketing Communications as a project manager. She earned her degrees from Ferris State University.

Shelby enjoys volunteering at Mid City Nutrition in her free time as well as other community opportunities that we coordinate.

Mallory Moore, Chairman

Since returning to town, Mallory has held jobs that get her out in the community, the most recent being director of the Lake Huron Medical Center Foundation.

She loves being part of a group of young, talented individuals who can get together to have fun and leave a positive impact in the 

community. After moving to Port Huron from Minnesota, joining the BWYP “just clicked” for Mallory and she has been a part of the group since she moved here after graduation in May of 2017.

Being a part of the group also allows her to develop friendships and connections with other community members. 

Mallory serves on the Chilly Fest Bed Races committee. When she’s not involved with that, she loves to watch sports, especially the Olympics! The world’s best athletes only get together every four years, so the rest of the time she’s an avid reality TV watcher. In her spare time, Mallory also likes heading to the beach, taking causal sails on the Great Lakes, and indulging in her obsession of everything Disney.

Demiree Potter, Board member

One of the youngest members of the group, Demiree can be found working at one of downtown Port Huron’s newest additions - her shop Ruboo Boutique.

Demiree moved out of the area when her husband joined the Marine Corps, and they traveled the country moving from base to base. They recently moved back because she always wanted open a business in her hometown and contribute to its economic prosperity.

When she’s not busy with her business or caring for her family, Demiree helps plan fun activities for the group as co-chair of the social committee. She herself only joined the BWYP in the spring of 2017, but dived right into a leadership role when she found out the committee was looking for help.

Her favorite aspect of the BWYP is the members’ willingness to help. It’s a diverse group that comes up with ideas on how to make the community better. 

In her free time, Demiree loves to spend time with her son, thrift shop and refurbish furniture for fun, and travel.

Emily grew up in Port Huron and returned home after graduating from Saint Mary's College with a B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Environmental and Evolutionary Biology in 2017. She currently works for the Blue Water Conservation District office located in Kimball and helps local farmers implement environmentally safe farm management practices.

In her free time, she is a citizen scientist with Friends of the St Clair River and volunteers with the HHH, hangs out with her dog, Jack, and family, and reads mystery/thriller books.

Jasmine Williams, Board member

Social Committee chairperson

Jasmine is a Commercial Loan Officer for Eastern Michigan Bank and graduated from Walsh College, located in Troy MI, in 2021. She joined our Board in Jan of 2022. She is actively involved in planning our monthly socials and our monthly volunteer duties at Mid City Nutrition.

Janelle Ainsworth, Board member

Social Committee member

Janelle graduated from Northern High School in 2011 and studied Public Relations/Communications at Michigan State University. She is currently a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Professionals. She joined our Board in January of 2023.

Matt Markham, Board member

Matt is a Morning Show host at one of Port Huron’s radio stations, Q Country 107. He studied Broadcast Media Arts at Specs Howard School of Media Arts. Matt joined our Board in January of 2023. He is involved in planning our annual Keg’s & K’s race that happens in the fall each year!