Mission & Staff Directory
Our Vision & Mission
The vision of Choose LansingTM is to inspire everyone to celebrate and love Greater Lansing as much as we do! Which goes hand in hand with our mission, to positively impact our community’s quality of life by developing the region as a visitor destination.
What that boils down to is we want you to love Greater Lansing just like we do. Whether you’re traveling for a sports tournament, professional conference or to visit our many attractions, we want your trip to be successful, memorable and, of course, just plain fun.
Who We Are
Choose LansingTM is a Destination Marketing Organization for the mid-Michigan region. We are a regional Destinations International (DI) accredited nonprofit organization focused on bringing visitors to Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties. We have a 60-year history as an economic catalyst for the hospitality industry in the region. Choose LansingTM's budget is approximately $6M and is primarily funded from marketing assessments, occupancy taxes, advertising revenue and membership dues.
DEAI Statement
Choose LansingTM will champion the values of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We will celebrate our region’s rich heritage and community. We will foster an authentic, universally accessible, and welcoming destination for all.
Department: Administration, Finance & Membership/CTA | Business Development & Event Services | Marketing Communications | Sports Authority
Administration, Finance & Membership/CTA
Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA President & CEO
Erik Decker, CTA VP Finance & Administration
Beth Jespersen, CTA Research & Technology Systems Manager
Melissa Nay, CTA Membership and Community Outreach Manager
Anne Lavender, CTA Executive Coordinator
Cindy Holmes, CTA Membership & Visitor Services Coordinator
Email
Phone
David Buckenberger, CDME, CMP, CTA Senior VP of Business Development
Dave works with all groups that come to Lansing.
Learn More About David
Kristy Doak, CMP, CTA Director of Sales for the Lansing Center
Kristy works with all market segments that utilize the Lansing Center for their meeting space. Learn More About Kristy
Stephanie Wohlfert, CMP, CTA Director of Sales, State Accounts
Stephanie works with state associations and government markets. Learn More About Stephanie
Ariel Backus, CMP, CTA Director of Sales, National Accounts
Ariel works with national/regional associations, Michigan State University, and corporate markets. Learn More About Ariel
Elaine Unger, CTA, CMP Sales Manager of the Lansing Center
Brandie Putnam, CMP, CTA Senior Convention Services Manager
Brandie works with different market segments, including some of the biggest convention events in the community. Learn More About Brandie
Jenn Morden, CTA, CMP Convention Services & Events Manager
Dani Johnson, CTA Sales Manager
Draylon Young Sales Manager
Draylon specializes in working with the state associations that come to Lansing. Learn more about Draylon
Abby Feltzer, CTA Sales & Services Coordinator
Meghan Ziehmer, STS, CTA Executive Director
Tom Kinder, STS, CTA Director of Sports Development
Miranda Coleman, STS, CTA Sports Services Manager
Email
Phone
Barbara Powers-Garmyn, CTA Sports Event Manager
Taylor McKay, CTA Sports Development Manager
Email
Phone
Kendall Boelman Sports Coordinator
Tracy Padot, CTA Chief Marketing Officer
Lori Lanspeary, CTA Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement
Valeri Gill, CTA Manager, Creative Services
Amie Lucas, CTA Manager, Digital Marketing & Content
Adrienne Cooley, CTA Manager, Social Media & Communications
