Written by Tanya Terry
James Avery is looking ahead to his first day working as executive director of Berston Fieldhouse on Monday, May 13 – and to an exciting future for the Berston and the Flint community!
Avery recently told the Courier he grew up on Stewart Avenue, just a few blocks away from Bertston. He remembers quite vividly seeing the older teenagers swimming and having fun. As an elementary student, he was a novice swimmer. So, he recalls fearing the older kids pushing him into the pool, which happened on occasion.
“It was just kids having fun,” said Avery. “They were good times, with no violence. It was just a community of young people coming together.”
Avery told the Courier being named Berston’s new executive director is especially important because he’s in the “why season of his life.”
“I want to be able to give back what God has given me as my talents and gifts,” Avery said. “I want to give it back to the community in which I was raised.”
Avery’s diverse background consists of experience in retail, automotive, education and government. He said all of this is “wound inside of him, ready to give to the community and build a legacy on top of what’s already been a legacy at Berston.”
According to Avery, “it’s time for us to have some consistent positive vibes in Flint!”
“I feel Berston can deliver that. It can be that mega center for resources, engagement, activity, arts – so it can appeal to any age group of residents.”
Avery pointed out he and Berston’s former director, Bryant “BB” Nolden had “parallel lives.” Both he and Nolden worked in education. Avery moved to a suburb as an adolescent. Later in life, Avery was on the Grand Blanc School Board, and Nolden served on the Flint City Council. Avery said, about 11 years ago, was when they crossed paths again. Avery and Nolden were fraternity brothers. Avery told the Courier it was Nolden who encouraged him to apply for Genesee County Board of Commissioners position. As a result, Avery was appointed to the board and later won the general election for county commissioner.
“We’ve always leaned on each other. ‘BB’ was his own unique person: one of the most high spirited, enthusiastic humans you’d ever run across. Sometimes I’d have to tell him to pump the brakes, in a joking manner. You just couldn’t have a better friend.”
Although Avery admired Nolden’s leadership style, Avery said now Berston is more complex than what it was. So, Avery said he is coming with a more structured base.
Avery said he and Valorie Horton, who has been serving as interim director and is ready to collaborate, have a great personal and professional relationship as well.
Avery is joining Berston after nearly eight years with the Flint and Genesee Group, most recently as director of Education and Talent and has served on the Genesee Intermediate School Board of Education.
He said as a commissioner he is in spaces where he is able to have an ear for grant opportunities and has a pulse on and even better understanding of government. All of this, he believes, will allow him to have knowledge of things that may benefit residents and those who utilize Berston.
Avery told the Courier the three most important things to him within his position will be being inviting to the patrons, maintaining the cleanliness of the buildings and constant growth of his team. As one who believes strongly in the importance of self-care, Avery would like to make sure Berston offers programming in both physical conditioning and mental health awareness.
“I just want Berston to be that whole array.”
