Our Team
Looking to connect? Meet the staff of Travel Marquette to find the right contact. Visit us at 117 W. Washington St. in downtown Marquette, Monday-Friday from 9 AM-5 PM, or give us a call at 906-228-7749.
Susan Estler, CEO
Areas of Focus: Advertising and Marketing, Event Sponsorship, Industry Engagement, Press Inquiries
Susan is a destination marketing executive with 20+ years of achievement blending business expertise and creative mindset. She has marketed the Bradenton Area, including Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key and Panama City Beach in Florida, lead a team in Scranton, PA as the executive director of the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau–home of the Office and is currently the CEO of Travel Marquette. Some of the reasons Susan loves living in Marquette County are the local breweries where you can count on running into someone you know, the many wonderful events such as the Fresh Coast Film Festival, and being able to enjoy Presque Isle Park any time of the year.
Susan@travelmarquette.com
906-228-7749
Katie Shimp, Digital Marketing Director
Areas of Focus: Digital Advertising, Social Channels, Website Management
Katie has been with Travel Marquette for nine years, leading the organization’s digital strategy, including the website, social media, and digital advertising. A 2016 graduate of Northern Michigan University with a degree in English Writing and a minor in Graphic Design, she brings a strong creative and analytical approach to destination marketing. Katie's favorite part about Marquette is the natural beauty and welcoming community.
Katie@travelmarquette.com
906-228-7749
Anna Solberg, Outreach & Sustainability Manager
Areas of Focus: Visitor & Community Engagement, Respect Marquette County Sustainability Programming and Education
Anna brings extensive experience in community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and project management. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with a minor in Art and Design, from Northern Michigan University. She later completed both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Geography at Kent State University, where her research focused on community perceptions of environmental change surrounding national parks in East Africa.
Following her academic work, Anna relocated to Pennsylvania, where she served as the Pocono Region Field Coordinator for two sister nonprofit organizations, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and PennFuture. As part of her return home to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she accepted a one-year AmeriCorps position as Sustainability Program Coordinator at Northern Michigan University’s Sustainability Hub for Innovation and Environment - working to move them closer to their goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Throughout her career, Anna has deepened her understanding of the importance of sense of place, community-centered listening, and a strong appreciation for home which she utilizes each day in her position as Outreach & Sustainability Manager at Travel Marquette.
Anna@travelmarquette.com
906-228-7749
Natalie Kretlow, Office & Research Manager
Areas of Focus: Visitor Engagement, Event Sponsorship, Data Analyst, Finance
Natalie has lived in Michigan’s gorgeous Upper Peninsula for over a decade, as an adventurer and outdoor professional. She graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation Leadership Management and attended Columbia College Chicago for Advertising Art Direction. Throughout her professional career, she has worked in conservation, recreation, and sales positions, and had the opportunity to work for the National Park Service. Natalie enjoys playing guitar and other instruments, learning about geology, exploring Lake Superior by kayak, and taking camping excursions throughout the Upper Peninsula with her pup Amelia.
Natalie@travelmarquette.com
906-228-7749
Kristin Weyher, Group Marketing Manager
Areas of Focus: Groups & Meetings
Kristin brings over a decade of experience in hospitality operations, sales, and client services to her role as Group Marketing Manager at Travel Marquette. A proud Michigan native, Kristin most recently served as a Catering Sales Manager at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, where she helped create memorable experiences for weddings and events while driving revenue. Her career spans leading hotel brands such as Omni Hotels & Resorts, Element by Westin, and Marriott International. Kristin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University. When she’s not working, Kristin is exploring her new home in Marquette with her husband, enjoying local beaches, visiting breweries, and discovering everything this beautiful area has to offer.
Kristin@travelmarquette.com
906-228-7749
Lou Hammond, PR Firm
Areas of Focus: Media trips, public relations
Travelmarquette@louhammond.com
