ANN ARBOR, MI (June 30, 2025) — Destination Ann Arbor is proud to announce two new hires as part of the organization’s continued investment in strengthening local partnerships and operational excellence. Jennifer Chizek joins as Director of Community Engagement, and Michael Dennis has been appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Jennifer Chizek, who began her role on June 23, brings deep expertise in community engagement, global partnership development, and project management. She most recently served as an Intermediate Project Manager at the University of Michigan’s Center for Global Health Equity, supporting over 400 members with a focus on engagement strategies and partnerships in Ghana.

A longtime Ann Arbor resident, Jennifer has held various leadership roles at the University of Michigan, including teaching design thinking and leading cross-campus initiatives at the Ross School of Business. She holds an MA in African Studies from Indiana University and a BA in English and Creative Writing from Michigan State University.

In her new role, she will serve as a primary liaison with local stakeholders, strengthening connections across Washtenaw County and beyond. She will lead Destination Ann Arbor’s partnership program, tourism advocacy efforts, and community-focused initiatives including the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) program, Community Tourism Action Plan (CTAP), and event sponsorship coordination.

“Jennifer’s passion for building meaningful relationships and her strategic mindset make her an ideal fit for our team,” said Sarah Miller, President & CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. “We’re excited to welcome her as we deepen our engagement with the communities we serve.”

Michael Dennis officially joined the organization on May 12 as Vice President of Finance and Administration. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience in finance and operations, including prior roles as Chief Financial Officer in the manufacturing sector and finance leadership positions at two universities.

Mike oversees Destination Ann Arbor’s financial planning, budgeting, and administrative strategies, supporting the organization’s long-term growth and accountability. “Mike’s strategic mindset and depth of experience bring incredible value to our leadership team,” said Miller. “He’s already making a strong contribution to our mission and organizational strategy.”

Mike earned an MBA from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Siena Heights University. He is also a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Business Leadership Academy.

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