August 09, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Christian Overland, of Ypsilanti; Stephen Kircher, of Walloon Lake; Camille Jourden-Mark, of Muskegon; and William Parlberg, of Frankenmuth, to the Michigan Travel Commission.
The commission, housed within the Michigan Economic Development Corp., works with a variety of associations and nonprofit corporations and organizations to develop, promote and enhance Michigan's travel and tourism industry.
"These individuals bring great backgrounds and extensive experiences in travel and tourism to the commission, and I am confident they will do great work to showcase all that Michigan has to offer," said Snyder.
Overland is the executive vice president of The Henry Ford, and has worked for the organization since 1992. He is responsible developing and implementing the programs for Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, IMAX and Benson Ford Research Center. Previously, he worked for the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul and The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in American studies and art history from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in American history and museum studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program at the State University of New York. He replaces Patricia Mooradian.
Kircher is president of Boyne Eastern Operations at Boyne Resorts. He is responsible for overall management of the company and of development operations at facilities in Michigan, Montana, Maine, New Hampshire and Tennessee. He was a supporting architect with Arthur Hills for golf courses at Boyne Highlands and Bay Harbor. Kircher earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University and a master of business administration from Boston College. He replaces Frank Ettawageshik.
Jourden-Mark is vice president and general manager of Michigan’s Adventure. She has more than 30 years of experience in tourism marketing and promotions in Michigan. She previously served on the board of directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Jourden-Mark earned bachelor’s degrees in advertising and public relations from Ferris State University and a master of business administration from Grand Valley State University. She replaces Jerry Preston.
Parlberg is president and chief operating officer of Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. He oversees the operations of the company’s restaurant, Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark, Fortress Golf Course and Zehnder’s Retail Division. He is also a board member of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce. Parlberg received a bachelor’s of business administration from Northwood University in Midland and an executive master’s degree in business administration from the DeVos Graduate School of Management at Northwood. Parlberg replaces Judy Keller.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Aug. 20, 2017, and their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate. By law, members are not allowed to serve more than two full terms. All four departing members have served two terms.
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