About Us
Tyler Leppanen - Chief Operating Officer
Tyler serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Little River Holdings. In this position, he helps to lead the overall long-term investment strategy, assists in managing the operations and financial success of the company, and manages contracts for many of the businesses that comprise Little River Holdings.
Prior to joining Little River Holdings in 2018, Tyler served in many different capacities of government. As the Manistee Downtown Development Authority Executive Director working with small businesses and redevelopment efforts, Assistant Community Development Director of Owosso, and in the Michigan Legislature. Tyler also holds a Bachelor’s in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Western Michigan University.
Brittney Drake - Chief Administrative Officer
Brittney Drake serves as the Chief Administrative Officer. A tribal citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, she has been a resident of Manistee for many years. Brittney holds a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University. In her role as CAO of Little River Holdings, she will support the Economic Development Corporation by ensuring the efficient operation of various departments, facilitating future projects, and enhancing the business's effectiveness through data-informed decision-making. With a distinguished background in the gaming and hospitality sectors, Brittney is enthusiastic about supporting her tribal community and promoting the development of the tribe's ancestral territories.
Gabrielle Henry - Executive Assistant
Gabrielle Henry joined Little River Holdings in 2023 as the Executive Assistant. Over the past two years, she has supported company operations through a wide range of administrative tasks, provided direct assistance to managers and executives, and coordinated key projects that have advanced the organization’s mission.
A Manistee native, Gabrielle earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration and a certificate in Human Resources from Ferris State University. She brought with her a strong background in customer service and a passion for community growth. Since returning to the Manistee area in 2023, Gabrielle has been proud to contribute her skills and experience to support Little River Holdings and its work within the community.