An experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable industry advisory committee drives our success. Advisory committee members provide insight and ideas related to applied research, education and engagement. The 22-member committee represents the depth and breadth of the industry in Minnesota. Each member is an individual with a passion for, and commitment to, the tourism, travel or hospitality industry.
Lucie Amundsen
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC)
decc.org
Bryan Anderson
Minnesota Department of Transportation
dot.state.mn.us
Sara Ernst
Airport Foundation (MSP), director of volunteer operations
airportfoundation.org
Natasha Freimark
Mall of America
mallofamerica.com
Craig Hansen
National Park Services, superintendent, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
nps.gov
Beth Helle
Explore Minnesota
exploreminnesota.com
Brian Juntti
Minnesota Historical Society
mnhs.org
Karah Lodge
Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission
mnsports.org
Tom Kavanaugh
Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort
kavanaughs.com
Marianna Khauv
Best Western Chelsea Inn & Suites, owner
bestwestern.com
Andrew Korsberg
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
dnr.state.mn.us
Holly Menninger, Ph.D.
Bell Museum
bellmuseum.umn.edu
Christine Noonan
Minnesota State Fair
mnstatefair.org
Erika Rivers
Wilderness Inquiry
wildernessinquiry.org
Jenn Schaal
Visit Saint Paul
visitsaintpaul.com
Julie Tesch
Center for Rural Policy and Development
ruralmn.org
Shannon Thomasser
Visit Roseville
visitroseville.com
Lori Vicich
University of Minnesota Extension
extension.umn.edu
Joanna Wallenberg
Brookside Resort
brookside-resort.com
Ron Wirtz
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
minneapolisfed.org
Adam Wright
Meet Minneapolis
minneapolis.org
Reviewed in 2026