Indiana Dunes Tourism
Staff & Board of Directors

Meet Our Staff

Lorelei Weimer, Executive Director:

The executive director is responsible for directing and leading Indiana Dunes Tourism towards achieving its vision and mission. The director works closely with the board of directors on policy making and business strategies for the organization. The director serves as the primary spokesperson and chief executive officer. Lorelei holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University Calumet and obtained her Fellow Certified Destination Management Executive certification from Destination Marketing Organization International. In June 2011, Lorelei celebrated 20 years with Indiana Dunes Tourism. Lorelei is past president of the Board of Directors for Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission, she has been appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to represent Northern Indiana on the Indiana Tourism Council, and she is a past board member of the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitor Bureaus. She represents tourism in Northern Indiana and Porter County for Region 1 on the Indiana Toll Road Citizens Advisory Board, she is also a board member of the Portage Economic Development Corporation and serves on the Porter County Economic Alliance group. Lorelei also chairs the Dunes-Kankakee Trail initiative and is the tourism liaison for the Ogden Dunes, Porter and Portage Branding Leadership Teams. She is also the chair for the Porter County Branding Leadership Team.

Christine Livingston, Assistant Director:

The Assistant Director is responsible for assisting in the management of Indiana Dunes Tourism. She is also responsible for the development and implementation of marketing strategies to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. This includes managing advertising initiatives, the Indiana Dunes Tourism website and database, photo inventory, and the Beyond the Beach Discovery Trail - a campaign designed to draw visitors into Porter County communities. Christine has a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Communication. Previously she was a program manager and developed, obtained funding for, and coordinated outreach and education programs for several nonprofits. She has served as an advisory member of Purdue's Indiana Water Research Center on committees for various community projects such as the Porter County Corridor Plan Committee, Duneland School Improvement Committee and Porter County Parks Master Planning Committee. She is currently a member of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Coastal Advisory Board and serves on the Town of Chesterton’s Stormwater Board.

Patti Boyer, Operations Director:

The Operations Director is responsible for supervision of the front desk staff, accounts payable and accounts receivable, tracking grants and overseeing building maintenance. Patti has an associate’s degree in computer technology and a bachelor’s degree in supervision from Purdue University. Patti came to Indiana Dunes Tourism with 17 years experience doing accounts payable and accounts receivable and 17 years as a computer software trainer. She also brought 31 years experience in application development and 25 years of supervisory experience.

Angela Pasyk, Niche Market Director:

The Niche Market Director is responsible for developing, promoting and soliciting niche markets and groups. These niche markets and groups include golfers, birders, car clubs, meeting planners and motor coach operators. The Niche Market Director also creates niche market publications and website pages. Angela has a bachelor’s degree in communications/public relations from Purdue University. She previously served as marketing/communications coordinator for NET Ministries in West St. Paul, Minnesota and visitor information specialist for the Lafayette-West Lafayette Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has been active in Big Brothers Big Sisters and Special Olympics. Angela is the tourism liaison for the Kouts and Pines Branding Leadership Teams.

Ken Kosky, Promotions Director:

The Promotions Director promotes the activities of Indiana Dunes Tourism through media partnerships, including acting as spokesperson for the organization. The Promotions Director also oversees the production of the Activities Guide, Strategic Vision document, Fishing Guide and other publications. He also organizes the annual R.O.S.E. Luncheon to recognize outstanding service, and he coordinates the organization’s internship program. Ken has a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations from Ball State University. He recently joined the staff after more than twenty years as a reporter with The Times. He is currently a volunteer with the Banta Feeds food drive organization in Valparaiso. He is the tourism liaison for the Chesterton and Hebron Branding Leadership Teams.

Meet Our Board of Directors

The Indiana Dunes Tourism Board of Directors meets at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center on the third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The meetings are public and everyone is welcome to attend.

Mitch Peters, President:

Mitch is serving his second term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors and is appointed by the Porter County Council. Mitch graduated from Valparaiso University with degrees in elementary education and law. He has been an attorney for 25 years. Mitch is also a veteran of the United States Navy. He is involved in numerous organizations including his recent venture of opening the Respite House, a halfway house for men seeking recovery from addiction and alcohol. In his spare time, Mitch enjoys hunting, fishing, archery and golf.

Michael Scott, Vice President:

Michael is serving his ninth year on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors. He was appointed by Mayor James Snyder. Michael graduated from Valparaiso High School and attended the University of Texas-El Paso and Purdue North Central. He also served in the United States Air Force for four years. Michael is retired from First National Bank.

Roberta Newlin:

Roberta is serving her third term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors and was appointed by Portage Mayor James Snyder. She has been a resident of South Haven for 20 years. Roberta is the Director of Sales for Country Inn & Suites by Carlson located in Portage. She attained a degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management and a business degree from Purdue University. Roberta has a wonderful husband, Brad and two beautiful daughters, Cassandra and Megan (deceased). Roberta once served on the Women’s Auxiliary for the South Haven Fire Department and the Task Force for the South Haven Fire Department.

Judy Chaplin, Treasurer:

Judy is serving her fourth term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors. She is appointed by the Towns of Burns Harbor, Chesterton and Porter. Judy’s family history is well rooted in Chesterton with Shady Lawn Florist and Greenhouse, 100 plus years in town. She moved to Chesterton when her grandparents Jesse and Lillian Williams bought Shady Lawn in 1946. Judy and Jim kept Shady Lawn a family business by purchasing it in 1969. Judy and Jim have made Shady Lawn a superior florist, a Top 1000 producer for FTD for the past nine years. Judy served on the Board of Directors for the Chesterton / Duneland Chamber of Commerce for six years and also the Executive Board for two years.

Pat Jackson:

Pat is serving her second term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors and is appointed by Commissioner Carole Knoblock. Pat is the Administrative Assistant at the Porter County Animal Shelter. Pat also is state treasurer for Sigma Alpha Chi Sorority and president of the Valparaiso chapter. She has served on the following board of directors: First Methodist Church of Portage, Porter County Mental Health, Girl Scouts, Pop Warner and Step Ahead, to name a few. Pat is currently taking classes at Indiana University Northwest where she enjoys classes that focus on Psychology and Medicine.

Scott Tuft:

Scott is serving his first term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors and is appointed by Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas. Tuft is director of sales and marketing for Accucraft Imaging in Hammond and is an associate at Bass Pro Shops in Portage. He is also an active community volunteer through the Valparaiso Rotary Club and the Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club, and he has served as a volunteer coach for basketball, soccer and baseball. Tuft lives in Valparaiso with his wife, Roberta, and his son, Nathan.

John Johnson:

Dr. John Johnson, who previously served on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors, began serving again in 2011 after being appointed by Porter County Commissioner Nancy Adams. Dr. Johnson, a resident of Valparaiso, has been the proprietor of The Inn at Aberdeen in Valparaiso since 1995. He is also the owner of Immediate Care Center: The Doctor Is In, which is located in Schererville. He serves on the boards of Porter-Starke Services and Pines Village Retirement Center, and he is on the HealthLinc Quality Assurance Committee. He completed his undergraduate degree and medical school at Indiana University.

Richard Riley:

Richard is serving his first term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors and is appointed by Porter County Commissioner John Evans. Riley, an attorney specializing in real estate zoning for telecommunications structures, is also owner of Riley’s Railhouse Bed & Breakfast in Chesterton. Riley has a wife, Ann; two children, Rebecca and Christopher, and two stepchildren, Angela and Lauren.

Michael Mantai, Secretary:

Michael Mantai is serving his second term on the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors. Michael, a Hebron resident, was appointed by the town councils in Hebron and Kouts. He studied environmen- tal policy at Indiana State University and is a self-employed real estate appraiser. He also serves on Hebron’s Redevelopment Commission and Hebron’s Town Events Committee. He also oversees the town’s website and newsletter.

Attorney

David Hollenbeck:

David is serving his 27th year as the Indiana Dunes tourism board of directors attorney. David, a Valparaiso resident, is a partner in the law firm of Blachly, Tabor, Bozik and Hartman. In addition to serving the Indiana Dunes Tourism board of directors, he is also the attorney for the Porter County Board of Health and many other government entities. He serves on the Porter County Community Foundation finance committee. David, who earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Valparaiso University, teaches classes at the Valparaiso University School of Law and is an NCAA clock operator and scorer for the Valparaiso University men’s basketball team. David is also chairman of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Porter County.

Photograph Copyright: Christine Livingston