Visit Columbus Expands Team to Support Destination Master Plan Implementation
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Visit Columbus has announced the addition of three new full-time staff members as part of an organizational restructuring designed to strengthen the organization’s capacity to implement the initiatives outlined in the organization’s Destination Master Plan.
The new positions add capacity across operations, finance, special events, project coordination, and marketing. The move reflects Visit Columbus's continued commitment to growing tourism in Bartholomew County and advancing the priorities identified through the Destination Master Plan.
“We are excited to welcome these new professionals to our team,” said Misty Weisensteiner, CDME, Executive Director of Visit Columbus. “Last year we adopted an ambitious Destination Master Plan to grow tourism in Bartholomew County. Adding these individuals will provide additional support to our existing team and enable us to accomplish the exciting work ahead of us.”
The new staff members include:
Ashton Barrett-Kelsay
Operations and Finance Manager, will support the organization’s internal systems, financial processes, and day-to-day operations.
Abigail Flout
Special Events and Projects Manager, will assist with events, project coordination and implementation of key Destination Master Plan initiatives.
Caroline Andress
Caroline Andress, Marketing Coordinator, is a recent Purdue University graduate and former Visit Columbus summer intern. She will lead the organization's graphic design and visual marketing efforts, supporting print and promotional materials, brand consistency, and creative production across a range of marketing initiatives.
The Destination Master Plan provides a strategic framework for strengthening tourism in Bartholomew County by identifying opportunities to enhance the visitor experience, support community partnerships, promote local assets and grow the economic impact of tourism. With the addition of these new team members, Visit Columbus is positioned to move from planning to implementation with greater focus and staff support.
Tourism continues to play an important role in the local economy, supporting jobs, local businesses, and community quality of life. Visit Columbus works to attract visitors, support meetings and events, promote cultural and recreational assets, and collaborate with community partners to position Bartholomew County as a distinctive and welcoming destination.
In 2024, visitors spent $226 million in Bartholomew County, generating $127 million in total economic impact and supporting 2,690 local jobs making tourism the sixth-largest industry in the county. That activity also produced $22.6 million in state and local tax revenue, funding services that benefit every resident.
About Visit Columbus
Visit Columbus works to inspire residents and visitors to experience Columbus and Bartholomew County as an ideal destination for leisure, sports, and travel while sharing the unique character of our community to create memorable and meaningful experiences.
For more information about Visit Columbus and upcoming events, visit www.visitcolumbusindiana.com or @visitcolumbus on social media.
Contact: Erin Hawkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
ehawkins@columbus.in.us