James Avery, a native son of Flint, MI and seasoned community leader across Genesee County, has been selected as the new executive director of the historic Berston Field House.
Avery will start on May 13 and will be succeeding Valorie Horton, who stepped in as interim executive director after the untimely passing of Bryant “BB” Nolden in December 2022. Avery is joining Berston after six years with the Flint and Genesee Group, most recently as director of Education and Talent. He currently serves as a county commissioner and has previously sat on various boards across the community, including the Grand Blanc Community Schools Board of Education and Genesee Intermediate School Board of Education
Avery brings three decades of experience to Berston, spanning retail and automotive experience from an earlier chapter of his career, decades of pastoral ministry and deep experience in education, nonprofits and the county government in his more recent professional work. Avery has earned a Bachelor’s of Education and studied Masters of Public Administration-Education, and throughout all of his professional roles and work, he has maintained a deep passion for building a brighter future for the youth of Genesee County.
“I am very excited to fill the role of executive director at Berston,” said Avery. “It will bring the opportunity for me and our Berston team to create a positive impact, and allow for exposure and access to needed resources and activity for an underserved community. Even more, it is truly heartfelt that I will be able to stand on the shoulders and vision of my departed friend and fraternity brother, B.B. Nolden. This is truly a God-driven assignment!”
