Contact the LSCP
Address: 101 W. Washington St, Suite 10, Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 226-6591
Email: lscp@marquette.org
Staff
Christopher brings nearly 15 years of professional experience in Michigan and Ohio spanning community and economic development, legislative affairs, politics, and regulatory experience to the LSCP. A born and raised Michigander, Christopher got his first taste of UP life as a student at Northern Michigan University and has advocated on behalf of the region ever since. He has a bachelors in Public Administration (NMU) and a master’s in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. He also holds accreditations in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and from the National Development Council as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and is active with professional organizations including the Michigan Planning Association and the Michigan Economic Developers Association.
Ashley brings 15 years of experience in marketing, event planning, and creative design. She holds a Commercial Recreation and Facility Management degree from Central Michigan University, where she graduated in 2009. Raised on the shores of Lake Superior, Ashley embodies the classic ‘boomerang’ narrative. She ventured to Atlanta, Georgia, and briefly explored Colorado, only to return to her roots in Marquette County—a place she proudly calls the best place on earth.
Mary has over ten years of experience in economic development and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Economic Developer. She also has experience in project management, customer service and real estate (short sales and foreclosures), is a Certified Business Service Professional, certified in Economic Modeling Specialists and a notary public. She serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA), is a member of the Marquette Breakfast Rotary, and Connect Marquette. She also serves as chair of the L’Anse Area Community Development Corporations. Mary is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Business Management.
Mindy is a born-and-raised Yooper with years of experience cultivating relationships within the Dickinson County community and beyond. She previously served as the Program Director for the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority. Mindy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and a Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State University. With her arts background, she has a strong foundation in community advocacy.
Brooke has five years of experience in Economic Development and is working on becoming a Certified Economic Developer. She has additional experience in customer service, team management, and consulting services from startup to succession. She serves on the Career Technical Education Committee, Marquette West Rotary Member, a board member of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association, and a mentor of the Student Leadership Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan University. She graduated from NMU with a degree in Entrepreneurship.
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Northern Michigan University. She has over seven years of experience in social media management, content creation, and marketing, blending creativity with strategy to craft compelling digital campaigns.
Ashley previously served on the Board of Directors for the Upper Peninsula’s Revolve Creative Conference, where she also held the role of Director of Media. She is passionate about community engagement and has volunteered her skills across a variety of local organizations, including the Marquette Women’s Center, U.P. Home Health & Hospice, Spread Goodness Day, and the Marquette Artist Collective. Her contributions have ranged from social media and marketing support to event planning and arts education for youth.
Rachel holds an associate degree in accounting from Grand Rapids Community College and is currently pursuing her undergraduate business degree at Northern Michigan University. Her passion lies in helping the community thrive and she takes great pride in the Marquette area. As an avid mountain biker and CrossFit enthusiast, she actively engages in recreational activities and connects with the community. With her dedication and enthusiasm, she is committed to making a positive impact on the economic and social development of the community.
Hanna has over ten years of experience in marketing, outreach, and public relations. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Michigan Technological University, where she studied Business Administration. With a proven track record in cultivating relationships and delivering impactful initiatives, she excels at leveraging her communication skills and innovative strategies to forge collaborative alliances. She aims to empower organizations to reach their full potential by creating mutually beneficial opportunities and fostering long-lasting relationships.
With over 20 years of experience in public administration and a passion for serving her community, Erica brings invaluable expertise in project management, fiscal responsibility and accountability, and fostering collaborative relationships amongst diverse stakeholders to our LSCP team. Originally from Ironwood and graduate of Northern Michigan University, Erica returned to the U.P. in 2015 after working elsewhere many years, eager get back to her roots and contribute to the well-being of those in her community. Now, as our Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub Program Manager, Erica is dedicated to assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs along in their journey to start, grow, and thrive, thereby assuring more robust, prosperous, and vibrant futures for our Central Upper Peninsula’s local communities
Paul’s service entails working with Childcare SPARK – a program to guide entrepreneurs to become licensed childcare providers for in-home daycare – to keep the program moving forward. He also works with a housing program and builds relationships with the communities in Marquette County. He holds a Bachelor’s from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and a Master’s from Black Hills State University, Spearfish, South Dakota. He enjoys spending time with his wife Natalie, walking their dog Simon, a Great Pyrenees, and cross-country skiing.
Grace is a Marquette native. She is passionate about bolstering our local economy and brings 15 years of experience in the financial management of independent businesses across various industries. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Start the Cycle and resides in Marquette with her husband and two small children.
Lauren brings over three years of experience in public relations, marketing, and community engagement within Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with focuses on marketing and public administration, both from Northern Michigan University. A Marquette native, Lauren has worked with both large and small organizations in Marquette County, where she has developed a passion for fostering a collaborative and positive environment within the local community.
Travis has over a decade of experience in operations management and administration across multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, and software development, with a focus on organization and process improvement. He is passionate about helping people and businesses become as successful as they can be.
Lysa supports the Childcare SPARK program, helping entrepreneurs navigate the process of becoming licensed, in-home childcare providers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Adrian College and a Master’s degree in Mathematics. Before joining SPARK, Lysa spent her career as a fourth-grade teacher before retiring and opening her own in-home daycare in Marquette.
Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, Lysa is grateful to be back on U.P. soil. She enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, three sons, and eight grandchildren.
Regional Team
Liam is currently working as a Small Business Navigator in Marquette County while actively pursuing his Master of Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. Liam received his Bachelor of Science from Western Oregon University in accounting. Post graduation he got his first taste of economic development serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA right here in Marquette. He is an active member in the community serving as the treasurer of the Fred Waara Chapter of Trout Unlimited. In his free time he is an active Fly-fisherman and also enjoys biking and hiking all over the Upper Peninsula with his dog Fritz!
Cell Phone: (906) 370-6480
Robin serves as The Hub’s Small Business Resource Navigator for Baraga County and the Tribal Communities within The Hub’s seven-county coverage area. He is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community located in Baraga, Michigan, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). His dedication to the college and his community is evidenced by a 15-year tenure on the KBOCC Board of Regents, including 9 years as Chairman. Robin furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan Technological University (MTU) and currently contributes his counseling expertise to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Counseling. He is passionate about fostering growth and prosperity within the local communities he serves. As the proud proprietor of a successful tribal member-owned food service business for the past 8 years, Robin is eager to share knowledge, expertise, and The Hub’s support and resources with fellow small business owners.
Cell Phone: (906) 370-6563
Jose brings 4 years of marketing expertise to The Hub as the Small Business Resource Navigator for Menominee and Dickinson counties. He is pursuing a Project Management degree at Northwestern Wisconsin Technical College to further his business development knowledge and advance his career. Jose is committed to leveraging the best of his knowledge to assist local small businesses to start, grow, and expand. In his free time, Jose likes to explore the Upper Peninsula and golf with his friends.
Cell Phone: (906) 370-1576
As The Hub’s Small Business Resource Navigator serving Alger, Delta, and Schoolcraft Counties, Ilana enjoys helping small business owners reach their true potential. She has a strong belief that anyone who wants to start their own business can be successful if they have the proper tools and support to strategically plan, analyze, and promote their business. Ilana graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies, a degree that focuses partially on grant writing and non-profit work. During her time at MSU, she also completed a yoga teacher-training program and worked as a yoga instructor for MSU. From there, she began working for Michigan Works in Manistique, Michigan and started her own small business working as an online yoga instructor. She now offers both in-person and online yoga classes. Ilana also creates and wholesales natural candles and owns a rental property. Ilana looks forward to helping entrepreneurs in Schoolcraft, Delta, and Alger counties achieve their small business goals.
Jared serves as the Small Resource Navigator for the Upper Peninsula with the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Support Hub. In this role, he proudly supports small businesses across all 15 counties of the beautiful Upper Peninsula.
He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science at Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of work, Jared enjoys weekends spent camping, kayaking, and hiking with his wife, Abby, and their energetic 4-year-old Australian Shepherd, Winston.
Jared is passionate about helping first- and second-stage businesses thrive—whether their goals are stability, sustainability, or growth.
Interns
Here at the LSCP we think it is important to provide students with hands on experience that will help them find jobs when they graduate. To apply as an intern with the LSCP, contact lscp@marquette.org.
