Our Committees

The Wisconsin Council on Tourism leads six committees appointed by the Secretary to advise the agency in supporting the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s strategic plan. The committees are a mix of statutory, non-statutory and ad hoc. Each is comprised of members of the Wisconsin Council on Tourism and select at-large members appointed by the Secretary. Individuals interested in serving on a committee are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume and references to TourismLeadership@travelwisconsin.com. 

Group Travel Grants Committee 

The Group Travel Grants Committee is a non-statutory advisory body. The committee provides specialized knowledge within meetings, conventions and sports events. During each grant round, committee members review applications and make funding recommendations for Meetings Mean Business and Ready, Set, Go! grants, which assist destinations as they bid for national or Midwest regional meetings and conventions or sports events. 

Current Members: 

• Matt Bosen
• Wendy Dobrzynski
• A.J. Frels
• Julia Hertel 
• Jamie Patrick
• Kyra Popp 
• Linda Price Topp 
• Pam Seidl 

Joint Effort Marketing Grant Committee 

The Department of Tourism administers a $1.13 million Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grant program annually through this statutory committee. JEM Grants provide partnership funding to help nonprofit Wisconsin organizations promote tourism in their area. The JEM Grant committee reviews all applications and makes funding recommendations. 

Current Members: 

• Paul Bristow
• Brian Kelsey
• Lisa Pauly Lefeber
• Mary Claire Olson Potter
• Ann Maletzke
• Alysa Steinhilber
• Errin Welty

Marketing Committee 

The Marketing Committee is a statutory group that serves as a sounding board for the Department of Tourism’s brand and marketing campaigns. Their advice includes, but is not limited to, geographic impact, international market development, product offerings, arts and culture and business-to-business market outreach. 

Current Members: 

• Apache Danforth
• Kenzi Havlicek
• Leslie Johnson
• Nic Mink
• Denise Stillman
• Ellie Westman Chin

Outdoor Recreation Committee 

This non-statutory committee guides and supports the implementation of the Department of Tourism’s strategic objectives in the important outdoor recreation sector to ensure the Office of Outdoor Recreation has the tools and guidance it needs to succeed. This ad hoc committee supports and provides input on the initiatives and priorities set by the Office of Outdoor Recreation. 

Current Members: 

• Damian Buchman
• Darren Bush
• Natalie Chin
• Michelle Dauchy
• Randy Harden
• Joe Klimczak
• Steven Little
• Ben Popp
• Sue Smedegard

Tourist Information Center Grant Committee 

This statutory committee helps the Department of Tourism administer grants to nonprofit tourism organizations, municipalities or Native American tribes who operate a regional tourist information center (TIC), providing information on cultural, recreational and other tourism businesses. The TIC Grant Committee reviews all applications and makes funding recommendations. 

Current Members: 

• Jeff Anderson
• Kati Anderson
• Meredith Kleker
• Kirby Metoxen

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Committee 

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Committee is a non-statutory committee that advises on efforts to address the Department of Tourism’s strategic plan. They identify and create initiatives to ensure that the Department of Tourism is taking the lead in developing a Wisconsin travel experience that welcomes everyone.  

Current Members: 

• Apache Danforth
• Genyne Edwards
• Christian Jensen
• Aaron Sherer
• Tony Snell Rodriguez
• Krystal Westfahl
• Suzanne Wittman

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism embraces the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, defined as: 

Inclusion: Authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities and decision/policy making in a way that shares power.

Diversity: Recognizing all the ways in which people differ, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language and physical appearance, as well as different ideas, perspectives and values.

Equity: Promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes and distribution of resources.

Accessibility: Giving equitable access to everyone along the continuum of human ability and experience from public accommodations and leadership opportunities to representation in content for all.