The Chamber has assembled a dedicated team to meet the needs of the organization and to deliver support to our membership. It is our mission to promote economic growth and prosperity for Mason County, which can only be done by providing exceptional service to our membership and community. Our team is at your service. Let us know what we can do to assist you.
Brandy H. Miller, President/CEO
brandyh@ludington.org
Brandy obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations & Advertising from Grand Valley State University and has had various roles since joining the Chamber in 2010. She has an extensive background in communications, strategic marketing, event planning and working in the community. She was born and raised in Ludington and proud to call it home.
Kristen Smith, Communications/Chamber Programming
kristens@ludington.org
Kristen obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Grand Valley State University. She has a background in writing and editing and has worked as a journalist in the local area. Kristen has also served as an elementary teacher for 10 years. She has lived in the community for over 25 years.
Polly Myer, Finance & Membership Services
pollym@ludington.org
Polly holds an Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Baker College. She was born and raised in Mason County, where her family owned a business for 56 years. Polly has been with the Chamber since 2008.
Kristi Lucas-Zimmerman, Economic Development Director
zimmermank@rightplace.org
Kristi holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and a Master’s from Walden University. Prior to joining The Right Place, she taught social studies at Ludington High School for 22 years, then served as principal of O. J. DeJonge Middle School.
Following a 27-year career in education, she joined United Way of Mason County, where she was the coach for the Lakeshore Employer Resource Network, a collaboration among 12 county employers, Michigan Works!-West Central and the Department of Health & Human Services. She also started the Getting Ahead/Staying Ahead program at United Way, a class to help people living in or near poverty build their resources. Additionally, Kristi helped create and facilitate Impact Mason County, a collective impact initiative for economic development.
She will work to improve the overall economic state of Mason County through business retention, expansion, and attraction. Her employment is a partnership of the Chamber and The Right Place.
Amber Ressl, Group Sales Manager: Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
amberr@ludington.org
Amber Ressl relocated to the City of Ludington in 2017 from Northern Michigan bringing with her 30+ years of experience in the hospitality and sales sectors. As the Group Sales Manager for the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, she is passionate about continuing to build a thriving community by showcasing our region's unique attractions and fostering unforgettable experiences to both residents and visitors.
Jody Maloney, Mason County Promise Zone Director and College Access Network Specialist
jodym@ludington.org
Jody holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and French Language & Literature from Grand Valley State University, and a Master of Arts in Education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She previously served as an academic advisor at Ferris State University in the Retention & Student Success unit. Prior to that role, she directed a federal TRiO Student support services director at Finlandia University in the Upper Peninsula. Jody has nearly two decades of experience in growing educational opportunity and supporting student success for youth and adults in rural Michigan.
Kathy Fisher, Volunteer and Welcome Center Coordinator
Kathy helps staff our volunteer welcome center, secures volunteers for various Chamber events, and coordinates the distribution of member brochures and material for our visitors. Kathy has lived in the Ludington area her entire life and she has been with the Chamber since 2006.