Our Team

Expert Staff

Our Dedicated Team Is Here To Help

Eric Wobser

Chief Executive Officer

Eric Wobser

Chief Executive Officer

Eric Wobser has served as the CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership since 2023 and has more than 20 years of experience in civic leadership with a successful track record building public/private partnerships. Previously, he served as Sandusky City Manager and Executive Director of Ohio City Incorporated and worked in the executive offices of the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. Eric lives with his family in downtown Sandusky and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and Ohio University.

Operations

Ryan Dillard

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan Dillard

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan Dillard serves as COO for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, leveraging his career in project management, development, and operations to provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and the effective implementation of GSP's mission. Previously serving as Corporate Manager of Project Development for Cedar Fair, his work included the development of local projects such as the Cedar Point Sports Center, BGSU RAAM School, and Sawmill Creek Resort. Ryan is a proud graduate of Indiana University and Miami University Farmer School of Business (MBA).

Alissa Fisher

Director of Marketing & Creative Services

Alissa Fisher

Director of Marketing & Creative Services

Alissa Fisher is the Director of Marketing & Creative Services at the Greater Sandusky Partnership, where she drives strategic storytelling and creative campaigns that elevate the organization’s mission and impact. She ensures the Partnership’s voice is consistent, compelling, and impactful. Alissa is holds a Bachelor's Degree in Art & Writing with a minor in Sociology from Bluffton University where she received Distinguished Scholar in her field.

Lindsey Hoke

Administration Manager

Lindsey Hoke

Administration Manager

Lindsey Hoke serves as the Administration Manager for the Greater Sandusky Partnership where she oversees daily administrative functions and ensures the office runs efficiently. Additionally, she assists with the organization’s Finance duties while also maintaining office processes and procedures. She has lived in the Sandusky Bay Area for 15+ years and currently resides in Perkins Township with her family.

Kelly Kresser

Administration Coordinator

Kelly Kresser

Administration Coordinator

Kelly Kresser is a lifelong Sandusky resident who retired from the City of Sandusky in 2020 after 33½ years of government public service. She currently serves as part-time Executive Assistant at Greater Sandusky Partnership and is a graduate of Perkins High School and Bowling Green State University. Kelly enjoys continuing to be a part of the Sandusky community in her role with GSP, and especially loves being a caregiver for her two granddaughters in her other part-time career.

Patrick Shepherd

Director of Member Services & Engagement

Patrick Shepherd

Director of Member Services & Engagement

Patrick Shepherd, a lifelong Ohio resident originally from Wellington, joined the Greater Sandusky Partnership in June 2024 as Director of Member Services & Engagement. He spent 23 years with the Cleveland International Film Festival, leading fundraising, community engagement, and media relations, helping it become a premier regional film festival. Earlier, Patrick worked at the American Red Cross, earning the national Tiffany Award for Employee Excellence in 1999. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Bowling Green State University.

Peyton Zamarelli Minich

Executive Project Manager

Peyton Zamarelli Minich

Executive Project Manager

Peyton Zamarelli Minich is the Executive Project Manager at the Greater Sandusky Partnership, where she drives initiatives to enhance the region's economic vitality and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Music Performance from the University of Mount Union, with expertise in project management, strategic communication, and event production. Prior to joining the Partnership, Peyton contributed to Cedar Point’s Live Entertainment Department, curating talent and creating memorable guest experiences. Passionate about fostering a vibrant regional culture, she enjoys art, music, and the unique charm of the Greater Sandusky Bay region.

Growth

Matt Lasko

Chief Development Officer

Matt Lasko

Chief Development Officer

Matt Lasko is the Chief Development Officer for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, leading efforts in housing, real estate, and economic development to drive sustainable growth in the region. He brings extensive experience in municipal leadership, having served as City Manager for the City of Huron and Chief Development Officer for the City of Sandusky. His background also includes roles with the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization and Millennia Housing Development, Ltd. Matt holds master’s degrees in Community Development from Case Western Reserve University and Urban Planning from Cleveland State University. A Vermilion native, he is passionate about strengthening communities.

Jeff Kerr

Director of Planning & Policy

Jeff Kerr

Director of Planning & Policy

Jeff Kerr serves as the Director of Planning and Policy at the Greater Sandusky Partnership, leveraging over 35 years of experience in urban planning to advance regional development. At GSP, he leads the integration of data analytics into strategic planning, supports policy initiatives, and spearheads transformative projects like the 100-mile Sandusky Bay Pathway. Kerr’s expertise in urban design, land development, and community revitalization underpins his efforts to connect places, drive investment, and enhance regional economic impact.  Kerr holds a BSLA from The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture.

Lee Alexakos

Director of Public Affairs

Lee Alexakos

Director of Public Affairs

Lee Alexakos serves as the Director of Public Affairs at the Greater Sandusky Partnership. With over 40 years of experience at Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Lee brings extensive expertise in community relations. A lifelong resident of Sandusky, Lee's dedication extends to various boards, reflecting her commitment to the community's well-being.

Talent

Jarvis Cole-Caston

Talent Development & Engagement Manager

Jarvis Cole-Caston

Talent Development & Engagement Manager

Jarvis Cole-Caston serves as the Talent Development and Engagement Manager for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, advocating for equitable opportunities in education and employment. Previously, he was a Business Instructor at Sandusky City Schools. A Wilberforce University Marketing graduate, Jarvis serves on the boards of the Erie County Community Foundation and the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators. He co-founded the Minority Business Empowerment Team (MBET), earning the 2022 Talon Flor Young Professional of the Year award. A member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Jarvis is committed to the principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service while fostering community growth and empowerment.

Nikki Savona

Employee Resource Specialist

Nikki Savona

Employee Resource Specialist

Nikki Savona serves as one of the Employee Resource Specialists with the GSP’s Employer Retention Program, working to connect area employees to local resources. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Community Services from Bowling Green State University, a Graduate Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching from The Ohio State University and is a Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Prior to joining the GSP in October 2023 she taught nutrition education classes for participants of all ages as a SNAP Ed Program Assistant with OSU Extension in Lucas County.

Vibrant Communities

McKenzie Spriggs

Sr. Director of Destination Management

McKenzie Spriggs

Sr. Director of Destination Management

McKenzie Spriggs is the Sr. Director of Destination Management, leading the vibrancy and place-based initiatives of GSP’s strategic plan. She champions programs that ensure the Sandusky Bay region remains lively for the people who call it home. Before coming to GSP, McKenzie worked for the City of Sandusky and Erie County Community Foundation. McKenzie thrives on creating spaces and opportunities where people connect, enjoy life, and support local commerce, believing vibrant places are key to a thriving community.

Rachael Summerfield

Events Coordinator

Rachael Summerfield

Events Coordinator

Rachael Summerfield serves as Events Coordinator for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, where she brings energy, creativity, and attention to detail to the region’s most beloved community programs. She leads the Sandusky Farmers Market and the Huron Farmers Market, ensuring both remain vibrant spaces that connect local growers, makers, and entrepreneurs with the community. In addition, Rachael supports a wide range of events and placemaking initiatives through GSP’s Vibrant Communities team, helping create experiences that celebrate local culture, foster connections, and enhance the quality of life across the region.

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