South Shore Staff

Executive

Speros A. Batistatos, FCDME - President/CEO

(219) 554-2229 | Email 

It is hard to believe that I began my career in the hospitality industry more than 30 years ago at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana.  In 1989, I was selected to lead what is now known as the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.  During my first 12 years here, I was able to increase the organization's budget 10-fold and facilitate the construction of the Nation's Premiere Visitors Center.

Before returning to Lake County, I was the President and CEO of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority.  There I led an aggressive marketing program to support Southern New Jersey's $8 billion dollar tourism industry.  

I am a "Hoosier" at heart, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics and Public Policy from Indiana University. I have also completed the DMAI's professional certification program, earning the distinguished designation of Fellow Certified Destination Management Executive (FCDME).

I am a graduate of the 2007 inaugural class of Northwest Indiana's FBI Citizens Academy.  I was named one of the "Champions of Diversity" by Indiana Minority Business Magazine.  Also, under my leadership, the South Shore CVA was honored as one of the "Top 10 Best Places to Work in Indiana" of small to medium size companies two years in a row by the Indiana Chamber.  

In July of 2000, Governor Frank O'Bannon honored me with the "Sagamore of the Wabash," and in January 2008, I was chosen as one of the "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing" by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), one of the highest recognitions in the tourism industry.

I have served on the Board of Directors for the Travel Industry Association of America in addition to serving numerous local not-for-profit and community boards. I am currently the chairman of the Challenger Learning Center and the Indiana Parenting Institute. I am also a member of the NWI Forum, the Gary Parks Board and the Barden Foundation.

Once the waters of Lake Michigan heat up, you will likely spot me near Wells Street Beach on my waverunner.

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Katie Holderby - Executive Vice President  

(219) 554-2222 | Email

I worked my way through Purdue University as an assistant in both the dean's office and development office at the School of Agriculture. After graduation, I joined the Sheraton Plaza Hotel in Chicago as Sales Manager. Recruited by the South Shore CVA in 1993, I served as Director of Sales & Marketing and worked my way up to Senior Vice President of Marketing. I secured more than $10 million in state, regional and national conventions and more than $500,000 in state grants for the Authority and regional marketing organizations.

I left the SSCVA and became the Executive Director of Tour Indiana, where I managed day-to-day operations, provided new marketing cooperatives for membership and produced an annual group tour directory. Simultaneously, I started my own company, The Holderby Network, which contracted service to tourism-related organizations.

I returned to the South Shore CVA in 2006, as the Executive Vice President. I work to develop and implement the operating budget for sales and marketing and SSCVA operations. I also manage the marketing and event staff, oversee the marketing and promotion initiatives of the Authority and act as a liaison with local organizations and elected officials to promote South Shore events.

I was an Indiana Tourism Council Appointee from 1998-2005, a past president of both Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission and Tour Indiana Motor Coach Council. I currently serve on the board of the Indiana Ballet Theatre.  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family in downtown Crown Point at events, shopping and dining at the small unique eateries around the square.

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Janis Flutka, CPA, CDME - Chief Financial Officer

(219) 554-2223 | Email

As the Chief Financial Officer, I am responsible for the overall financial health and fiscal integrity of the organization. Budgeting, financial planning, and reporting are my main focus. Experience as a former city clerk-treasurer helped to prepare me for my current responsibilities with this government entity.

My school alma mater is Indiana University "GO HOOSIERS". With IU's extensive training, I was able to receive my Indiana State certification for a Certified Public Accountant. I am a member of the Indiana CPA society, a past recipient of the Outstanding CPA in Government Award, and currently service on the Societies Leadership Cabinet.

In 2008, I received my Certified Destination Management Executive certification after completion of the DMAI program.

My favorite activity in the "Da Region" is attending the Gary SouthShore RailCats games. The family atmosphere, convenient location, and food are always a winner.

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Administrative

Judi Brown - Director of Administration

(219) 554-2226 | Email

I have been employed in the hospitality industry for 40 years, mostly in food and beverage, as a bus girl, waitress, hostess, supervisor and manager.

My 21 years of experience at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza groomed me for the position I currently hold as Director of Administrative Services. While at the Radisson, I held a variety of positions during my first 11 years within the food and beverage department; and for 10 years I worked as the human resources recruiter. I was privileged to meet, recommend, and hire many, many fine people, one of whom is my esteemed colleague, Heather Becerra.

In 1991, I was humbled and honored to be chosen a Presidential Star Award winner from the Radisson Hotel, Indiana Hotel/Motel Association Employee of the Year, and Radisson Hotels International Employee of the Year. I was presented the Chairman's Diamond Award from Bruce W. White, CEO, White Lodging Services, for achieving this recognition.

In 1999, I chose to a follow a different hospitality path and joined the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. As Director of Administrative Services, my role is to administer human resource related functions and employee relations. I worked through the ranks from a receptionist to Executive Assistant to the President/CEO to Sr. Director of Administration. And, I was privileged to serve as Interim Operations Manager in 2005. 

I am married with two children and a granddaughter. She is a joy in my life; being a grandparent is a feeling you cannot describe; you have to experience it.

I am passionate about the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the New England Patriots. My husband and I love to travel and have visited Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and 40 of the 50 United States. What better ambassador for travel than someone who works in the tourism industry.

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Sandy Klosak - Maintenance Manager

(219) 554-2957 | Email

I joined the CVA in June of 2007 as a part-time housekeeper and maintenance helper.  Prior to that, my career in the hospitality and retail service industries began while I was a military dependent stationed in Kitzengen, Germany. I operated a contract cleaning service and performed light maintenance for military families. My employment with AAFES continued stateside as a forklift operator and shipping/receiving foreman at the Dan Daniels Distribution Center in Newport News, Virginia.

While in the Tidewater area of Virginia, I also spent more than 7 years as a Deli/Bakery manager for Food Lion, Inc. During which time I became a certified trainer for the company and assisted in the training of new personnel on set up and operations for three grand openings of new stores. Although I found the experience very rewarding, it was time to come home.

Born and raised in Indiana, I couldn't think of a better place to raise my children. After returning to Indiana I assisted with grand openings for Meijer in Merrillville and Highland before taking a break.

My career in the hospitality industry resumed with White Lodging as a room attendant, room inspector and housekeeping supervisor for more than 3 years.

Currently, I hold the position of Maintenance Manager with the South Shore CVA; I manage the day to day operations of the housekeeping and maintenance departments, and am responsible for maintaining the physical assets of the Indiana Welcome Center. My staff and I are instrumental in the annual set-up of the South Shore Air Show and the "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit at the Indiana Welcome Center.

My time spent helping my father garden, landscape, and work in his garage sparked my interest in the work I do today. I enjoy camping, fishing and gardening with my husband Gary. We love spending time with our children, grandchildren, and dogs.

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Tammy Lambert - Accounting Manager  

(219) 554-2953 | Email

I was hired at the SSCVA in October of 2006, as the Accounting and Gift Shop Manager.

Before coming to the SSCVA, I worked at the Indiana University Northwest Bookstore in Gary, Indiana for 25 years. I started my career at IUN in the shipping and receiving department and worked every job within the organization. These tasks helped prepare me for the many duties and challenges here at the SSCVA. I love my job because each day is different, choosing between the accounting responsibilities and the challenges of running a retail store.

I was born and raised in Crown Point which is truly a great place to live. One of my favorite things about Crown Point is the Lake County Fair is held here annually. I have been attending the fair since I was born. These days I not only enjoy going to the fair, but as a Tri Kappa member I now work the admission gates. This allows me a behind the scene look at what it takes to run a fair as large as the Lake County Fair. I highly recommend that if anyone is looking for a fun and exciting way to spend a summer day in August, check out the LC Fair.

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Rik Piszczek - Visitor Services

(219) 554-2954 | Email

Prior to joining the South Shore Convention and Visitor's Authority in 2011, I spent 10 years with Officemax.  

Initially I was hired as an associate in the print department; I took on many roles and finally joined the District Management Training Team in 2007.

I then joined the SSCVA as an intern in June of 2011, after which I took on the role of Travel Counselor and have since risen to the position of Visitor Services Manager, managing the day-to-day operations of the Indiana Welcome Center and its staff.

I graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a concentration in management and a minor in accounting. I am also an active member of my discipline's honor society, Pi Alpha Alpha, and I serve as the Treasurer of the Indiana University Northwest Geology Club. I am currently working on my Masters in Public Administration at Indiana University Northwest concentrating on non-profit organizations.

I spend most my free time playing with my dogs and utilizing the many miles of bike paths across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties.

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Communications

Nicki Mackowski - Director of Community and Public Relations

(219) 554-2720 - Email

As a Northwest Indiana native, I proudly joined the organization as the Director of Community and Public Relations. I like many of my peer joined the tourism industry at a young age; my first job was as a hostess in a family owned café.

Currently, I am responsible for executing publicity efforts that promote the South Shore as a premier destination for tourists, conventions and tour groups. I write media releases for distribution; conduct familiarization tours for visiting travel writers; and attend media marketplaces where PR professionals meet with journalists seeking travel-related story ideas.

Prior to joining the SSCVA, I spent four years as the Communication Supervisor for Horseshoe Casino. I joined Horseshoe in 2007 and was initially hired to oversee internal communications. In 2008, my responsibilities expanded to include community relations and green efforts. As recognized communications leader, my prior experience includes the role of Public Information Officer for Brevard County and Communication Coordinator for Wuesthoff Health System in Florida.

I am an active member of the American Cancer Society, PRSA, Tri Kappa Sorority (the Zeta Psi chapter), and the Purdue University Calumet Public Relations Alumni Association.

I graduated from Purdue University Calumet where I received a B.A. in Public Relations and a minor in English. I received her M.S. in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State in Jacksonville, Ala.

I love "Da Region" and all of the unique events and attractions that it has to offer. I enjoy shopping around the square in Crown Point, walking my dog at Centennial Park and dining at many of our great local restaurants.

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Staci Stagner - Communications Coordinator

(219) 554-2251 | Email

I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and minors in journalism, marketing and French from Purdue University Calumet. During my time at Purdue University Calumet, I worked as a Supplemental Instruction leader in French, and went on to become a Supplemental Instruction Coordinator, managing about 90 SI leaders and a team of five supervisors. I also served as Secretary of Public Relations for the student government organization.

I joined the SSCVA team in February of 2012 as a Community and Public Relations Intern and was promoted to Communication Coordinator in October of 2012. I assist the Director of Community and Public Relations with external communication efforts. I also am an active participant in the team's lunch-time take of 'Hunger Games.'

In my spare time, I can often be found playing board games and hanging out with friends at Beer Geeks. I also like to visit any of the five breweries found in Northwest Indiana. In efforts to balance the craft beer, I like to run the trails in Griffith or wander Chicago shopping or attending concerts.

Marketing

Heather Becerra - Director of Sales & Marketing  

(219) 554-2224 | Email

I began my career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16, working as an usher at the Star Plaza Theatre After my freshman year at Purdue University in West Lafayette, I moved to Florida for two years I returned to the region in 1999 and landed a part-time job at the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority while finishing my degree I graduated from Purdue University Calumet with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Human Resources.

My thirteen years at the South Shore CVA began in an office support role and I was quickly promoted to Marketing Assistant. I have also held the positions of Sales Manager and Sales & Marketing Manager. After a brief stint as the Director of Marketing for the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, I returned to the South Shore CVA in October 2005. As the Director of Sales & Marketing, I manage the annual marketing budget and a staff of four. I am also responsible for placing and tracking advertisements and maintaining strong relationships with SSCVA partners and hospitality professionals.

I am a resident of Hobart, where I live with my husband, Tony, and kids, Nathan, Maverick and Peyton. Some of our favorite things to do along the South Shore include walking along the lakefront and through Festival Park in downtown Hobart and visiting Albanese Candy Factory. We are also frequent visitors at U.S. Cellular Field in nearby Chicago to cheer on our favorite team the Chicago White Sox.

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Andrea Rivera - Art Director

(219) 554-2722 | Email

I began my career with the CVA as an intern in 2001. After graduating from Indiana University Northwest with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, I continued to progress in the graphic design field to my current position as Art Director.

I manage the complete visual brand of the CVA through all platforms including print, web and video, overseeing all phases of design and production. This encompasses creating visuals for all CVA departments, (sports and convention sales, marketing, partnership) creating collateral for exhibits in the Indiana Welcome Center, and outdoor signs and banners for special events such as the South Shore Air Show.

I enjoy the arts and have had the opportunity to come out from behind the computer to work hands-on in the "A Christmas Story" Comes Home annual exhibit by sketching, building and painting the scenes alongside our incredible maintenance department. In 2010, I also began curating an annual photography show each fall featuring local talent and local subjects. In 2012, forty-two photographers participated.

I currently reside in Munster with my husband and two sons. We enjoy spending our weekends outdoors enjoying each other and loving life!

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Bethany Randolph - Special Events Coordinator

(219) 554-2229 | Email

I am currently a resident of Chesterton and previously of Jasper County. Prior to joining the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority, I spent six years at Save A Lot Foods. Initially hired as a cashier in 2006, I was promoted to the management team in 2009. Within a year, I had been promoted to Assistant Store Manager.

I was hired by the SSCVA in August 2011, as an intern after completing a special events course. By February 2012, I grew from my role as an intern into the position of Special Events Coordinator. I am responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, promoting, and facilitating the South Shore Air Show, "A Christmas Story" Comes Home exhibit, and other SSCVA events. My favorite event to organize is the R.O.S.E. Awards dinner, held in September. It's a special night to recognize the faces of hospitality along the South Shore.

I am currently enrolled full-time in the Bachelor of Science Hospitality and Tourism Management program at Purdue University Calumet. I am also an active member of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Club on campus.

Sales

Megan Langel - Sales Manager

(219) 554-2176 | Email

As the first Hospitality and Tourism Management degree through the employee entrance of the South Shore CVA, I received my Bachelor of Science from Purdue University Calumet. During school, I gained hotel experience as a Guest Service Representative at Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. After school, I began coordinating weddings at Meyer's Castle in Dyer and An Urban Affair in Chicago.

Hired at the SSCVA in May 2008 as part-time Assistant Housing Coordinator, I have since worked my way up in the organization holding such titles as Housing and Events Coordinator, Partnership and Housing Manager and Sales Manager.

My current responsibilities include prospecting association, conventions, corporate groups and niche market sales. I also handle convention and event servicing of incoming groups, as well as, plan and coordinate local familiarization tours, receptions and trade shows with hospitality partners.

In my spare time, I enjoy keeping my niece fashionable and visiting with family and friends. In the summer, I have the best of both worlds: living in the Midwest and having a beach in my backyard. I take advantage of this by regularly reading in the sand at the Dunes State Park and jet skiing on Pine Lake in La Porte. When football season rolls around, you can usually find me at "The Big House." Go Blue!

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Jason Sands - Director of Sports Development - South Shore Sports Promotions  

(219) 554-2726 | Email

I'm a proud Indiana University Bloomington graduate with a BS in Sports Marketing (2003). 

After school, I took advantage of an opportunity and secured a job with the EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour where I managed more than 15 beach volleyball events nationwide, developed marketing campaigns and cultivated sponsor relationships. 

In January 2005, I joined the South Shore CVA as a sports assistant and was later promoted to Director of Sports Development for the newly formed sports commission, South Shore Sports Promotions.  South Shore Sports offers an online housing service to event organizers. 

One of my favorite things to do in Northwest Indiana is to take my family to the beach in the evening to watch the sunset and walk on the trails and dunes. I'm also an avid Chicago sports fan (every team except the Cubs) and enjoy taking in a game first-hand whenever possible.

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Barb Mack - Group Housing Coordinator

(219) 554-2423 | Email

I am a 1990 graduate of Elmira College in New York. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Prior to working at the Convention and Visitors Authority, I spent more than 11 years working in the hospitality industry; at a hotel, a CVB and as an independent contractor.

In 2007, I began working as a part-time Group Housing Coordinator; my primary responsibility is to reserve rooms for upcoming conventions and sporting events. I reside in Valparaiso with my husband and 2 children and in my spare time I enjoy coaching my daughter's volleyball team.

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Technology

Luke Weinman IV - Director of Information & Technology

(219) 554-2225 | Email

I began my career at WTMX - The Mix 101.9FM in Chicago as an intern. I loved meeting all the celebrities that would come into the studio. I told myself I had to be on-air and pursued a degree in Radio/TV Production from Purdue University Calumet.

I joined the South Shore CVA as the Communications Manager in 2001 and marketed myself as a PR person with video focus and was promoted to Director of Communications. In 2005, I was hired as the Manager of Marketing Technology at the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau. This is where I found my true passion; making things work.

I realized I loved the Tech World and by late 2005 I returned to the South Shore CVA as the Director of Information Technology (IT). Although I prefer the title "Director of Chaos," my boss says I am the master of the everything with an on/off switch. I currently maintain and implement all of the necessary technology needs the SSCVA has; including web and in-house IT needs.

I currently reside in Hobart, IN (Go Brickies) with my soccer playing son, Luke V, my darling diva daughter, Ladan and the woman who keeps us all fed and clothed, my wife, Kristen.

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Andy Collins - Video Production Manager

(219) 554-2177 | Email

Genius. Brilliant. Mastermind. All of these are labels I have bestowed upon myself. As far as the accuracy, I am unsure. But one time my mom said I was really handsome!

Here at the CVA, I get the privilege of being creative and solving problems using video. Working in media development and video production has allowed me to use my visual problem solving skills to further our product. From internet videos to commercials, I get the opportunity to use the part of my brain that allows me to have fun and be creative.

I studied at Purdue University Calumet and received a degree in Communications. It was there that I really made the most of being a student. I was a lab instructor in the Radio/Television Studio, a teaching assistant and was honored as the 2006 Student of the Year in Broadcasting.

While in school, I worked at Digital Source Productions. It was there that I cut my teeth by shooting corporate video and weddings (the answer is NO. I will NOT shoot your wedding for you). Additionally, I worked in freelance production and have served a bevy of clients ranging from TLC to ESPN.

Though I was raised on the mean streets of Crown Point, I currently live in Highland with my main squeeze (a term of endearment for my wife) Rachel. In my free time I like to care for my lawn, fill my head with useless factoids and trivia, watch movies that are terrible and dominate the world via a RISK board.

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Jennifer Rush - Interactive Marketing Specialist

(219) 554-2724 | Email

At the South Shore CVA, I handle our online presence. This includes updating our websites, managing our social media channels and executing our email marketing. I've learned so much in the 8 years I've been here, and I enjoy educating our visitors on all the great places there are to visit in the South Shore throughout the year.

I received a degreee in Graphic Design and Illustration at the American Academy of Art in Chicago.  I worked at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN as a graphic designer before coming to the South Shore CVA.

One of my favorite places to go is Fair Oaks Farms. The first time my family went, we spent 7 hours there between the tour, hands-on exhibits, movie, lunch (and dessert), shopping and outside activities for the kids. We were shocked when we looked at the time!

My family and I also enjoy the summer and fall festivals in downtown Crown Point. The square with the old courthouse and tons of shops is a great backdrop for all the festivals and they always make sure any age is entertained – bounce houses, food vendors, live entertainment, beer gardens and more.

 

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Bob Victor - Research Manager

(219) 554-2721 | Email

I was born into a family of steel and rail workers in East Chicago, IN. This helped in developing my appreciation of the area's industry and the rich contributions and heritage of its workers.

Doing research in school was a passion, never passing up an opportunity for extra credit. School and family trips to points of interest in Illinois and Indiana helped nurture my appreciation for tourism and the discoveries it offers for one day trips. I sent for and collected travel brochures and maps plotting where my dad’s 62’ Impala would take us.

Sunday trips to Marquette Park in the summer before air conditioning were frequent. Gary's South Shore Air Show and all the improvements going on along the lakeshore are proof of childhood hopes and dreams that can come true along the South Shore.

As a graduate of the Architectural Technology Program at Chicago Technical College, I received a degree in Building Technology. In addition, I received a Graphic Arts Degree from Ray Vogue College of Design in Chicago which was located across from the Chicago Water Tower. My first job out of school, like many people in Northwest Indiana, was with USS - United States Steel Corporation, producing signs, graphics, employee safety and training materials. I designed the East Side Memorial for the City of Chicago on Indianapolis Boulevard and the Skyway.

As steel declined new avenues opened up, I was a partner in a printing and graphics company and after it was sold, I joined Montgomery Ward in Chicago in the advertising department until its closing.

Listening to WJOB and Irv Lewin in the morning discussing tourism with Spero Batistatos peaked my interest in working in the tourism industry. I joined the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority in February 2002, as the Multi-media Projects Manager, where my responsibilities included photography and newspaper advertising. Currently, I am the Research and Technology Manager, and responsible for travel and hospitality research projects as well as surveying the many visitors to the South Shore.

Since 2003, I have been an elected member of the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative Board of Directors. The group is passionate about improving Wolf Lake and promoting it to future visitors. I am also a member of Travel and Tourism Research Association. The group advances tourism through its efforts in developing research.