Our Team

Expert Staff

Our Excellent 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 serves as the Director of Marketing & Creative Services for the Greater Sandusky Partnership, where she leads creative initiatives and drives marketing strategies for the organization. Formerly the Coordinator for RISE, she supported small businesses and entrepreneurs across Erie and Huron Counties. Alissa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art & Writing, with a minor in Sociology, from Bluffton University, where she was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar in Art & Writing.

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.

Julie Holmes

Membership Development Coordinator

Julie Holmes

Membership Development Coordinator

Julie Holmes serves as our Membership Development Coordinator and is responsible for managing and growing the chamber's membership base. She serves as the point of contact for member inquiries, activities and initiatives and she collaborates with all team members in marketing, events and advocacy to ensure cohesiveness and forward strategy for the Greater Sandusky Partnership. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Bowling Green State University and has spent over 30 years as an independent photographer, sales director and non-profit coordinator for several companies. She is a happy transplant to the Sandusky Bay region and brings her energy and enthusiasm in an abundant way every day.

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-Munich

Executive Project Manager

Peyton Zamarelli-Munich

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.

Cydney Salmons

RISE Coordinator

Cydney Salmons

RISE Coordinator

Cydney Salmons serves as the RISE Coordinator for the Greater Sandusky Partnership and Huron County Growth Partnership. RISE is an entrepreneur and small business support system for Erie and Huron County. Cydney has received accolades including the Sandusky County SPARK Award and the Positive People Award. Cydney was actively involved in two transformative learning communities at Bowling Green State University, Chapman Learning Community, which instilled the values of community service, volunteering, and leadership, and Finding Your Voice in Social Justice, how to transform communities for the better through activism.

Nico Samaniego

Director of Business Development

Nico Samaniego

Director of Business Development

Nico Samaniego serves as the Director of Business Development at the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP). In this role, he focuses on aligning strategies across various economic development entities to enhance community impact. Samaniego has supported regional collaborations, such as facilitating the Erie County Port Authority's programs to support projects in Erie, Ottawa and Huron County. His efforts also contributed to securing JobsOhio and Ohio Department of Development support for companies spanning various industries.

Talent

David White

Sr. Director of Talent & Leadership

David White

Sr. Director of Talent & Leadership

Dave serves as the Sr. Director of Talent and Leadership at the Greater Sandusky Partnership, where he oversees the region’s workforce development efforts. He previously served eighteen years in the Army’s Special Operations Command where he deployed fourteen times in support of the Global War on Terror. He holds an MBA from Ohio State University, executive education from Harvard’s Kennedy School, and is a Management PhD student at Case Western Reserve. He is also the author of Veteran’s Career Journey, a book about veteran transition from the military into the workforce.

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.

Makenna Laser

Talent Attraction & Retention Manager

Makenna Laser

Talent Attraction & Retention Manager

Makenna Laser serves as the Talent Attraction and Retention Manager for the Greater Sandusky Partnership. Formerly starting as the Manager of Business Services & Communications back in July of 2021, she has become heavily embedded in the workforce development community across the region. She received Norwalk Area United Fund’s “Emerging Leader” Award in 2021. She currently resides in Bellevue with her husband, their daughter, and two dogs.

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.

Susan Shickley

Employee Resource Specialist

Susan Shickley

Employee Resource Specialist

Susan Shickley, a lifelong Sanduskian, serves as one of the Employee Resource Specialists with the GSP’s Employer Retention Program, working to connect area employees to local resources. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Toledo and a Master’s degree in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University. She completed 10 courses towards a Master’s in Public Health degree, and is certified as a Mental Health First Aid and No Wrong Door provider. Prior to joining the GSP in March 2023 she taught nutrition as a SNAP Ed Program Assistant with OSU Extension in Erie and Huron Counties.

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.

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