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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.

Julie Pingston

Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA President & CEO

Phone

517-377-1412

Learn more about Julie

Erik Decker

Erik Decker, CTA VP Finance & Administration

Phone

517-377-1403

Learn more about Erik

Beth Jespersen

Beth Jespersen, CTA Research & Technology Systems Manager

Phone

517-377-1427

Learn more about Beth

Melissa Nay

Melissa Nay, CTA Membership and Community Outreach Manager

Phone

517-377-1410

Learn more about Melissa

Anne Lavender

Anne Lavender, CTA Executive Coordinator

Phone

517-377-1416

Learn more about Anne

Cindy Holmes

Cindy Holmes, CTA Administrative Assistant

Learn more about Cindy

Business Development & Event Services

David Buckenberger

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

Kristy Doak, CMP, CTA Director of Sales for the Lansing Center

Phone

517-377-1429

Kristy works with all market segments that utilize the Lansing Center for their meeting space.
Learn More About Kristy

Stephanie Wohlfert

Stephanie Wohlfert, CMP, CTA Director of Sales, State Accounts

Phone

517-377-1434

Stephanie works with state associations and government markets.
Learn More About Stephanie

Ariel Backus

Ariel Backus, CMP, CTA Director of Sales, National Accounts

Phone

517-377-1405

Ariel works with national/regional associations, Michigan State University, and corporate markets. Learn More About Ariel

Elaine Unger

Elaine Unger, CTA Sales Manager

Phone

517-377-1414

Learn more about Elaine

Brandie Putnam

Brandie Putnam, CMP, CTA Senior Convention Services Manager

Phone

517-377-1430

Brandie works with different market segments, including some of the biggest convention events in the community. Learn More About Brandie

Jenn Morden

Jenn Morden, CTA, CMP Convention Services & Events Manager

Phone

517-377-1400

Learn more about Jenn

Dani Schneider

Dani Schneider, CTA Sales Manager

Phone

517.377.1426

Learn More About Dani


Lansing Sports Commission

Meghan Ziehmer

Meghan Ziehmer, STS, SDLT, CTA Executive Director

Phone

517-377-1425

Learn more about Meghan

Tom Kinder

Tom Kinder, STS, CTA Sports Development Manager

Phone

517-377-1428

Learn more about Tom

Miranda Coleman

Miranda Coleman, STS, CTA Sports Services Manager

Learn more about Miranda

Barbara Powers

Barbara Powers-Garmyn, CTA Sports Event Manager

Phone

517-377-1413

Learn more about Barbara

Marketing Communications

Tracy Padot

Tracy Padot, CTA Chief Marketing Officer

Phone

517-377-1419

Learn More About Tracy

Lori Lanspeary

Lori Lanspeary, CTA Manager of Marketing and Community Engagement

Phone

517-377-1423

Learn More About Lori

Valeri Gill

Valeri Gill, CTA Manager, Creative Services

Phone

517-377-1417

Learn More About Valeri

Amie Lucas

Amie Lucas, CTA Manager, Digital Marketing & Content

Phone

517-377-1424

Learn More About Amie

Adrienne Cooley Headshot

Adrienne Cooley, CTA Manager, Social Media & Communications

Phone

517-377-1402

Learn More About Adrienne

Emily Hedglen

Emily Hedglen Manager, Graphic Design

Phone

517-377-1407

Learn More About Emily