Board of Directors

Cook County is a diverse geographical area with our inland lakes, Lake Superior shoreline, BWCAW, international border and Boreal forest. The organizational structure of Visit Cook County, with our board of directors and tourism associations, mirrors this diversity. Our organizational model is not replicated anywhere else across the State of Minnesota. The unique perspectives and diversity in our leadership are a key factor in our success. While our association and board members must share similar values in relationship to tourism as a whole, the support of the mission and vision of Visit Cook County remains at the core of our organizational structure.

The Visit Cook County board of directors comprises representatives from each tourism association and additional contributing partners. Each association and voluntary contributing members are allotted a number of board positions based on their contribution to lodging tax. Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder Tourism Association (LTTA) receives 5 board positions, Grand Marais Area Tourism Association (GMATA) receives 3 board positions, Gunflint Trail Association (GTA) receives 2 board positions, Lutsen Mountains (LMC) receives 1 board position, and Grand Portage (GP) receives 1 board position. Each board term is 3 years and the board members are appointed by the associations they represent.

Current Visit Cook County Board Members

Board Leadership

• Chair - Thom McAleer (LTTA)
• Vice Chair - John Fredrikson (GTA)
• Treasurer - Charles Skinner (LMC)

Board Members At Large

• Rachelle Christianson (GMATA)
• Robert Dechampe (GP)
• Emily Haussner (LTTA)
• Chris Homyak (LTTA)
• Eric Humphrey (GMATA)
• Katie Krantz (LTTA) 
• Carl Madsen (GTA)
• Clair Stoddard (LTTA)
• Dave Tersteeg (GMATA)
• Zak Trimble (LTTA)

VCC Board of Directors Responsibilities:

• Determining strategic goals and direction

• Enhancing the organization’s public image

• Determining goals through an approved strategic plan

• Assuring effective organizational and financial planning

• Electing officers in accordance with the by-laws

VCC Board & Association Member Responsibilities:

• Attending meetings of the board of directors and/or association meetings

• Supporting and promoting the mission and vision of VCC

• Embracing sound, ethical, and dedicated decisions that support the mission and vision of the organization