Contact the LSCP
Address: 101 W. Washington St, Suite 10, Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 226-6591
Email: lscp@marquette.org
Staff
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 and has over seven years of experience in social media management, content creation, and marketing.
Ashley previously served on the Board of Directors for the Upper Peninsula’s Revolve Creative Conference as the Director of Media. She is passionate about community engagement and has volunteered her skills with a variety of local organizations, including the Marquette Women’s Center, U.P. Home Health & Hospice, Spread Goodness Day, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, and the Marquette Artist Collective. Her contributions have ranged from social media and marketing support to event planning and arts education for youth. She currently serves on the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee for the City of Marquette.
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.
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.
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.
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
Liam is currently working as a Small Business Navigator covering the Central UP region. Liam received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Oregon University and his Master of Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. Post-graduation, he got his first taste of economic development, serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA right here in Marquette, and has since held roles within business development. He is an active member of 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 enjoys biking and hiking all over the Upper Peninsula with his dog Fritz!
Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Northern Michigan University and has over two years of experience in strategic marketing communications and brand management. She also has experience in customer service, event management, brand development and discovery, and business leadership. She is passionate about building meaningful connections within the community and helping businesses reach their full potential. Rachel is the head coach of the NMU Men’s Club Volleyball team and owns her own marketing consulting agency, where she works with local small businesses and emerging talent. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, kayaking, hiking, fishing, rock hunting, and playing both beach and indoor volleyball
Regional Team
Jared works with the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Small Business Support Hub.
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.
