Staff

Let us know how we can make your experience in Marshall a great one!

James Durian

Chief Executive Officer

James joined Choose Marshall in September 2020.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead all aspects of Choose Marshall; economic and talent development, and tourism

james@choosemarshall.com

Kierith Kurth

Economic Development Coordinator

kierith@choosemarshall.com

Amy Peterson

Director of Marketing & Communications

Settling in Marshall.
Amy has been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years with a focus on tourism, marketing, and development. She is a graduate of Aquinas College, located in Grand Rapids, with a BSBA and Communications degree. In addition to her career, she loves to volunteer. Serving on a non-profit board for 12 years has given her the compassion and drive to help others.

Amy’s pride and joy is her family. She moved to Marshall from Munising, Michigan after becoming a co-owner of Bud’s Towing & Automotive in August 2015. Amy has 2 children, 2 fur-babies and a hedgehog. She enjoys camping, traveling, and any adventures that come along.

Amy lives by 5 words, “If there’s no wind, row.” – Author Unknown

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Business and Communications contributor to Choose Marshall, small business and tourism
  • Assist in creating and analyzing market research
  • Create and manage marketing and advertising for Choose Marshall
  • Social Media management
  • Project Manager
  • Placemaking
  • Event support

amy@choosemarshall.com

Kimber Thompson

Director of Tourism

With history being an integral aspect of tourism in Marshall, it makes sense that Kimber also serves on the Marshall Historical Society board of directors.

Prior to working at MAEDA, Kimber spent 7 years as the Marketing Manager at the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, and the 25 years previous to that as a graphic designer. While at the CCVB, she managed the Calhoun County Certified Tourism Ambassador program. Kimber also has served on the board at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum and Leila Arboretum, and also on the committee that brought the Fantasy Forest to Battle Creek. She has a degree in Advertising from Michigan State University.

In her spare time, Kimber is an artist and a muralist. Marshall murals include the Marshall Vintage Postcard mural in Grand Street Park, the Marshall Sister City “Views from Koka City” in Peace Park, “America the Beautiful” in the parking lot of VFW Post #4073, the MHS Pool Mural, and the five “Downtown Life” murals across from Marshall Middle School.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Advertising Marshall to tourists and group tour operators
  • Managing community events, and/or serving on planning committees
  • Overseeing the transformation of Bear Creek into a museum and nature preserve

Alena Guenther

Tourism Services Manager & Historian

Alena joined the Choose Marshall team in December of 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history at Olivet College and her master’s degree in North American History at Western Michigan University. Alena also currently works as the Museum Director for the Marshall Historical Society.

At Choose Marshall, Alena is responsible for a diverse array of tourism services. She brings history to life through her guided tours, training other guides to ensure a high-quality, informative experience for all visitors. She also spearheads Group/Bus Tours, showcasing Marshall’s rich cultural offerings such as museums, restaurants, and unique downtown shopping.

Alena’s role extends to historical research, analysis, and liaison. She conducts original research to incorporate into tourism services and collaborates with key partners like the Marshall Historical Society and the Mary Marshall Chapter DAR. She remains in close contact with local, state, and national historical societies to promote Marshall and improve narrative storytelling efforts.

Beyond her work in tourism and historical preservation, Alena is the Event Manager of Marshall Motorfest, an event that brings automotive enthusiasts together to celebrate the legends of the road.

Alena also provides event support, helps plan and implement community events, provides backup support for the Welcome Center staff, and creates a “hub” for visitor events, tours, and activities. Her multifaceted role at Choose Marshall embodies her commitment to promoting and celebrating Marshall’s rich heritage.

alena@choosemarshall.com

Patty Williams

Business Development Manager

Patty is a 1981 graduate of Marshall High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Concentration in International Studies from Kalamazoo College. She returned to Marshall in 1998 to raise her family, and since has served as Executive Director for both the Marshall United Way and The Franke Center for the Arts. In addition, she serves on the Marshall Community Foundation Board and Grant and Scholarship Committees, the Fountain Clinic and Marshall Choral Society Boards, and volunteers at Oaklawn Hospital, and The Franke Center.

She currently serves as the Business Development Manager for the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA)/Choose Marshall.

Her Key Responsibilities include:

  • Chamber Membership and Retention
  • Chamber Events such as, What’s Brewing, New Member Ribbon Cuttings, 5:01 Social Hours, Small Business Academies, Annual Chamber Dinner and the Annual Chamber Christmas Tree
  • Chamber Biweekly Newsletter and Facebook page

Pattyw@choosemarshall.com

Nikki Roberts

Visitor Service Representative

Nikki joined Choose Marshall in September of 2023. As a Visitor Services Representative at the Choose Marshall Welcome Center she is the first point of contact for visitors and plays a crucial role in providing an exceptional visitor experience. Nikki is passionate about promoting Marshall and its attractions.

Prior to working at Choose Marshall, Nikki was a Customer Service Representive at a local manufacturing company for 12 years. Nikki also works as an Election Inspector for Marshall Township.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greet and assist visitors, providing information about local attractions, events, and services. Answer inquiries in person, over the phone, and via email.
  • Tour Coordination: Assist with the coordination of tours, including Trolley Tours, Walking Tours, and Group Tours. This also involves ticket sales, scheduling, and providing information to visitors.
  • Event Support: Assist with the planning and implementation of community events. This includes logistical support, promotion, and on-the-day assistance.
  • Resource Management: Maintain brochures, maps, and other informational resources for visitors. Ensure the Welcome Center is clean, organized, and inviting.
  • Administrative Duties: Handle administrative tasks as needed, such as data entry & record keeping. And advertising local events on the website & social media.

nikki@choosemarshall.com

Vicki Beardslee

Visitor Service Representative

Vicki joined Choose Marshall in September of 2023. As a Visitor Services Representative at the Choose Marshall Welcome Center she is the first point of contact for visitors and plays a crucial role in providing an exceptional visitor experience.

Prior to working at Choose Marshall, Vicki taught middle school students for over 30 years. She was born in Marshall, raised her family here, and is proud to help promote her beautiful hometown.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greet and assist visitors, providing information about local attractions, events, and services. Answer inquiries in person, over the phone, and via email.
  • Tour Coordination: Assist with the coordination of tours, including Trolley Tours, Walking Tours, and Group Tours. This also involves ticket sales, scheduling, and providing information to visitors.
  • Event Support: Assist with the planning and implementation of community events. This includes logistical support, promotion, and on-the-day assistance.
  • Resource Management: Maintain brochures, maps, and other informational resources for visitors. Ensure the Welcome Center is clean, organized, and inviting.
  • Administrative Duties: Handle administrative tasks as needed, such as data entry & record keeping. And advertising local events on the website & social media.

vicki@choosemarshall.com

Piper Peterson

Visitor Experience Specialist

Spunky, energetic, and excited to meet YOU! Piper will ensure your experience at the Choose Marshall Welcome Center is memorable and fun! Piper joined our team in July 2023 as a rescue and found her forever home with our Marketing Director, Amy Peterson.

info@choosemarshall.com

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