Meet Our Team

Name: David Lorenz
Title: Executive Director
Email: Director@WMTA.org
Dave Lorenz has been traveling around Michigan all of his life, and for more than 21-years, he did so for the State of Michigan travel office as managing director and then, Vice President, where he was responsible for leading the team that managed the award-winning “Pure Michigan” marketing program. Dave also served as chair of the National Council of State Travel Directors and was named by his peers as the State Travel Director of the Year in 2023. In addition to previously serving on multiple travel industry boards and commissions, including the MotorCities National Heritage Area, the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Grand Rapids Hotel Advisory Board, Dave currently volunteers as a board member of Michigan Cares for Tourism.

Name: Jess Herrema
Title: Office Manager
Email: Jess@WMTA.org
Phone: (616) 245-2217 ext 101
Get In Touch With Me For: Any questions regarding billing of partnerships, publications, trade shows, and online advertisements!
What do you love most about West Michigan? There is so much to do - no need to vacation outside of Michigan when we can "staycation" right here!

Name: Kaylie Pomper Lentz
Title: Marketing Manager
Email: Kaylie@WMTA.org
Phone: (616) 245-2217 ext 105
Get In Touch With Me For: Joining our mailing list, signing up to receive West Michigan Press Releases, website updates, information for connecting on our social media, questions on our newsletters, and ideas on how WMTA can promote your business.
What do you love most about West Michigan? What I love about West Michigan is that it seems to offer the best of both worlds, in any given category! It boasts large, metropolitan cities and small, cozy towns. No matter your tastes, you'll find something in West Michigan.

Name: Paula Shields
Title: Account Executive
Email: Paula@WMTA.org
Phone: (616)240-3491
Get In Touch With Me For: Discuss services, manage your account, and explore business opportunities tailored to your needs.
What do you love most about West Michigan? I love living in Michigan because there are endless opportunities for exploration within the state. I am constantly amazed by the beauty of all four seasons, and never tire of being in the freshwater

Name: Kathleen Schiefler
Title: Materials & Marketing Coordinator
Email: Kathleen@WMTA.org
Phone: (616) 260-2649
Get in touch with me for: Pick up the phone and call or email me with any general West Michigan inquiries, or to request a mailed copy of our awesome Carefree Travel Guides or Lighthouse Maps.
What do you love most about West Michigan? The incredible diversity of beauty, scenery, culture, people, food, entertainment, and topography is mind boggling. And you don’t have to travel far to find an adventure just about every weekend.
Win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to Allegan Event!
Check back the first of each month for a new West Michigan giveaway! Make sure you like our West Michigan Facebook Page for even more contests & freebies!