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.
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!
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.
Lucy is a senior at Marquette Senior High School, completing an internship through the Marquette-Alger RESA Work-Based Learning program. After graduation, she wishes to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or marketing. She works closely with the marketing team and enjoys learning through working. Lucy enjoys exploring the outdoors, playing tennis, golf, soccer, and alpine ski racing.
