Michigan Travel Commission

First Term (12/6/21 - 8/20/25)
Second Term [8/21/25 - 8/20/29]

Liz began her hospitality career with Destinations International, the association of destination marketing organizations based in Washington, DC. She was then heavily involved with hospitality leaders, meetings, and events as the Chief Rainmaker at the American Society of Association Executives.  She ran the association’s publications, fundraising events, and built their sponsor and partner programs bringing association decision makers together with hotel, convention center, airlines, and service industries throughout the world. 

When not growing Mission Point, you can find Liz in her gardens with delphinium, dahlias, or zinnias, renovating distressed properties or reading the latest cookbook. 

First Term (12/06/21 - 8/20/25)
Second Term [8/21/25 - 8/20/29]

Furbush, President and CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau has been an active leader in the tourism industry for the past 20 years.  A graduate of Central Michigan University, she is proud to represent the business community of one of Michigan's most beloved destinations.  While Frankenmuth is her home and she is a member of many local boards, she's served the greater tourism industry as a past Chair of Michigan Meeting Professionals International, Michigan Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and the Travel Industry Coalition of Michigan.  She is passionate about not only the economic benefits of the tourism industry to Michigan, but the quality of life and wellness that travel experiences provide throughout the great state of Pure Michigan. 

First Term (10/16/20 - 8/20/24)
Second Term [9/26/24 - 8/20/28]

Patrick Brys serves as President and CEO of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery located in Traverse City, Michigan.  Founded in 2005 and comprised of 155 acres on Old Mission Peninsula, Brys Estate operates a 44-acre vineyard, wine production facility, tasting room, bed & breakfast, and 12-acre lavender garden and gift shop. Patrick joined his family business in 2009 and is responsible for overseeing daily operations as well as creating, communicating, and implementing Brys Estate's vision and overall direction.  Patrick also serves as Marketing Chair for the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail – a 10 member group responsible for marketing strategy and trail branding for one of Michigan’s most popular wine trails.  An avid home chef, in 2015 Patrick launched his “In the Kitchen at Brys Estate” and “Patrick’s Pairings” video series - receiving over 1 million views through social media channels.  Patrick holds a Level I Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Bachelor of Arts from Brooks Institute, and is a graduate of the Wine Executive Program at the University of California at Davis Graduate School of Management.

First Term (12/18/20 - 8/20/23)
Second Term [11/8/2023 - 8/20/2027]

Senior Director of Sales & Earned Revenue at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

First Term (1/9/25 - 8/20/26)

Hayley Ennest is a seasoned culinary professional with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry and a strong entrepreneurial background. She has spent 8 years as a Technical Assistant in the Kalamazoo RESA Culinary Arts/Hospitality Program, providing valuable support to students in Kalamazoo County. In addition, Hayley has mentored students in the ProStart State and National Competitions. Hayley is also the owner of 13 Cookies LLC, an artisan cookie shop that she and her husband James Ennest have successfully operated since 2010, transitioning from a Cottage Food business to a retail establishment in 2021.

Her restaurant career includes roles all over Michigan such as Short Order Cook, Prep Cook, and Kitchen Manager, where she consistently demonstrated leadership, an ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, and a deep commitment to customer service. With a background in managing kitchen operations and teams, Hayley has played an instrumental role in increasing patron loyalty and business success. She holds a strong educational foundation, graduating as Class Valedictorian from Loy Norrix High School and continuing her studies at Western Michigan University and Lansing Community College.

Hayley’s combination of culinary expertise, management experience, and entrepreneurial spirit positions her as a well-rounded professional dedicated to excellence in the food service and hospitality industries.

First Term (10/16/20 - 8/20/24)
Second Term [9/26/24 - 8/20/28]

Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette, oversees the Marquette County Destination Marketing Organization in the Upper Peninsula. Her 20 plus years tourism career began in Florida with two different destinations--Bradenton and Panama City Beach in senior-level marketing positions. She later moved to Scranton, PA as the executive director for the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau before being recruited by Travel Marquette to serve as CEO. In her current role, Estler is Vice-President of MACVB, on the board for Lake Superior Community Partnership and a member of the Marquette County Ambassadors Program. 

First Term (12/06/21 - 8/20/25)
Second Term [8/21/25 - 8/20/29]

Darren Ing is the Executive Director of Self Storage Association of Michigan.  He is a Board member and past President for the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM).  Prior to his current role, Darren served as the Director of the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds (MARVAC), and the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association (MMHA) for over 12 years. Darren graduated from Northern Michigan University and is an outdoor enthusiast.

First Term (8/20/19 - 8/20/23)
Second Term [11/8/2023 - 8/20/2027]

Jim MacInnes is a strong advocate of outdoor recreation which brings economic, social and public health benefits to Michigan communities.  He is Chairman and co-owner of Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa, a 1500 acre ski, golf and conference resort near Traverse City.  He moved from Southern California in 1985 with his wife, Chris, to join the family-owned business. Previously, Jim served as chair of the Michigan Utility Consumer Participation board for nearly ten years and served on the Michigan Ski Area Safety board and the Great Lakes Offshore Wind council. He holds Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and MBA degrees from the University of California, Irvine. Jim is also an avid skier, cyclist and golfer.

First Term (8/20/19 - 8/20/23)
Second Term [11/8/2023 - 8/20/2027]

Dale A. Robertson currently serves as the President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. In that capacity, he is responsible for leading the strategic direction and implementation of institutional goals.  Prior to his work at the Public Museum, Dale spent 19 years at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). While there, he led the corporation’s 53-county West Michigan and Upper Peninsula Operations as its Vice President. Dale acted as Director of State Legislative Relations for the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce where he advocated on behalf of the Detroit area business community at the State Capitol. Dale also worked in the Michigan State Senate as a Legislative Aide to State Senator James DeSana, Chair of the Appropriations Committee.  Dale received his Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School while working full time.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University.

First Term (10/16/20 - 8/20/24)
Second Term [9/26/24 - 8/20/28]

Julie Rogers is The Highlands Resort’s Director of Marketing. In her role, she oversee advertising, branding, and promotions of the charming all-season resort located in Harbor Springs in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Julie has an extensive marketing background working for nearly 15 years within the tourism and hospitality sectors, including most recently serving as the Director of Marketing for Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island for the past 9 years.  Prior to that, Julie worked for several creative agencies over the span of 12 years handling national level brand accounts. Julie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing with an emphasis in management information systems from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Julie enjoys traveling with her family while finding new places to explore on the Michigan coasts, spending time outdoors, mountain biking with her children, and enjoying the University of Michigan culture while being at home in Ann Arbor.

First Term (2/21/23 - 8/22/26)

Mr. Glenn Stevens, of Royal Oak, is the executive director of MICHauto and serves as the Detroit Regional Chamber’s vice president of automotive and mobility initiatives. He received a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University.

First Term (2/21/23 - 8/22/26)

Frank has been in the hospitality industry for over two decades and is currently the CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, MI.  In his current role he leads the service and gaming operations while providing the strategic operational direction and support for FireKeepers’ 2000 Team Members.  Frank is also the current President of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Entertainment Corporation which oversees the Prairie Band Casino & Resort.  He also serves on boards for Battle Creek Unlimited and Michigan Works! Southwest Chapter.  He holds an Associate’s Degree in Computer Information Systems from Haskell Indian Nations University, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Business Administration from Baker University.  Frank is also a tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation from Mayetta, KS.       

First Term (12/06/21 - 8/20/25)
Second Term [8/21/25 - 8/20/29]

Brian Yopp is the Director of Programs and Operations of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, an affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and promoting the automotive and labor heritage of the State of Michigan.  Having born and raised in Detroit, Brian has always been surrounded by the rich heritage of southeast Michigan and enjoys the opportunity to connect the stories across the region.

Brian arrived in the non-profit field after a career in education teaching middle school language arts in Detroit. He has been part of the MotorCities National Heritage Area team since 2007.  In the time there his role has expanded to oversee all programming and grant programs bridging the gap between a project’s conceptualization and its realization. His primary role is to be the coordinator of the community partners across MotorCities’ 10,000 square miles. 

Brian is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University. Along with his work at MotorCities he also served on the Board of Trustees at the National Automotive History Collection of the Detroit Public Library and serves in the Trustee Ministry at New Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Highland Park, MI. He lives in Southfield, MI with his wife and two children.