Staff
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) team works tirelessly to provide value and tools to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. The LRCC aims to meet the needs of each of its more than 1,000 members by fostering meaningful community and business relationships, promoting economic development, and providing cost-effective membership benefits. Professional development opportunities are also available through the organization, as well as the facilitation of public policy conversations that affect our region.
Tim Daman
President and CEO
Daman oversees the LRCC team, including business development, advocacy, marketing and communications, and accounting and finance. Daman joined the LRCC in 2005 as vice president of economic development and was promoted to vice president of operations and strategic initiatives in 2007. In that position, he was instrumental in developing the LRCC’s International Business Services division, establishing the region’s Foreign Trade Zone, and creating the LRCC’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
Before joining the LRCC, Daman spent six years with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He was involved with the state’s economic development and marketing efforts in promoting Michigan as a high-tech business location. Daman is a Michigan State University graduate, where he earned a B.A. in communications arts and sciences.
Mandy Schmitz
Director of Administrative Operations
Mandy is the director of administrative operations at the LRCC. She leads and provides support to the Chamber's administrative, finance, technology and operational needs.
Mandy graduated from Michigan State University and resides in Charlotte with her husband and son.
Daniel Rials
Senior Member Relations Manager
In his role, Rials focuses on new business development and member engagement as part of the membership and business value team – a key role that supports our members and ensures a positive, successful relationship with the LRCC. Rials works closely with members to maximize engagement opportunities and provide insights on strategies to maximize their connectivity and engagement in the Lansing region.
Before joining the LRCC, Rials was a recruiter for Robert Half, account manager for Enterprise Truck Rental, and general bar manager for an entrepreneurial co-working space in Auckland, New Zealand. He has a strong background in building trust, loyalty, and long-lasting relationships with clients.
Marcy Rzepka
Senior Member Relations Manager
In her role, Marcy focuses on new business development and member engagement as part of the membership and business value team – a key role that supports LRCC members and ensures a positive, successful relationship with the organization. Marcy works closely with members to maximize engagement opportunities and provide insights on strategies to maximize their connectivity and engagement in the Lansing region.
Marcy is an experienced media and sales professional with more than 30 years of delivering results for clients. She is a driven professional with a strong background in building trust, loyalty and long-lasting relationships with clients.
Ashlee Willis
Events and Programming
Ashlee R. Willis is the Founder and CEO of Michigan Premier Events, an association, corporate and Government event management company managing events in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit. Willis partners with associations & corporations by developing programs and events locally, statewide and nationally to enhance both their members, clients and the Mid-Michigan business community. Willis strives to embrace innovative and unconventional techniques by concept developments, logistics and strategy and for the events and programming department. Willis is involved with Urban development creating programs and events to help create walkability in downtowns and communities. Willis is also an active community leader and philanthropist who strives to make the community better.
Willis has over 10 years of experience in developing and managing corporate events, programs and meetings in Michigan. Willis is the co-founder of Lansing Lift Up Local, has led big community events in Michigan and worked on events featuring celebrities. Willis sits on several boards and committees. Willis was a part of the Merging governance committee for South Central United Way helping the merging planning process for Capital Area, Battle Creek & Jackson United Way. Willis has also assisted organizations develop the foundation of programs and leadership essentials fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Willis was also the first person of color to serve as Board President for Downtown Lansing Inc., Delta Township Economic Advisory board member and is a certified tour ambassador for Lansing, MI, earning several awards including Downtown Lansing Hero Award, Entrepreneur on the move award and Ten Over the Next Ten Alumni award recipient. Willis also has been featured on several radio stations, commercials and publications including front cover of Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine.
Willis is a Lansing native and well-known active leader in the community who is dedicated to the growth, collaboration and success of the region.
Steven D. Japinga
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs
Steven D. Japinga is the senior vice president of public affairs for the LRCC. In his role, Japinga leads the LRCC’s public policy, advocacy and the LRC-PAC. Additionally, Japinga works closely with the LRCC’s marketing/communications and membership teams with an external focus on growing our regional partnerships, supporting the needs of our business community and members as well as strengthening the LRCC.
He specializes in economic development, regulatory reform, health care policy, insurance, appropriations, PAC development, coalition building, and grassroots advocacy.
Before joining the LRCC, Japinga worked as chief of public policy and legislative affairs for state and federal government relations for the Michigan State Medical Society, representing more than 15,000 Michigan physicians. Before working on behalf of MSMS, Japinga was the Managing Director for Capitol Strategies Group, a multi-client government relations firm based in downtown Lansing representing several trade associations and companies, including MSMS, Johnson & Johnson, Michigan State University, and the Michigan Association of Independent Agents.
Japinga graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science pre-law and resides in Lansing with his wife Katherine and their two dogs Charlie and George.
Bridget Drzal
Vice President of Member Engagement
Bridget Drzal is the Vice President of Member Engagement at LRCC. In her role, Drzal has a strong focus on driving member engagement, fostering relationships and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance the overall growth of the Chamber. Additionally, Drzal works closely with LRCC’s membership and marketing/communications teams.
Before joining the LRCC, Bridget was a Senior Key Account Manager for over 15 years in sales and marketing at Gannett. She has a proven track record of success in business growth and fostering meaningful connections.
Drzal is a graduate of Michigan State University and has a bachelor’s in marketing and communications. She resides in Williamston with her husband Matt and boys.
Sarah Bakken
Talent Development Manager
Sarah Bakken is the talent development manager for the LRCC. In her role, Bakken is responsible for leading the development and implementation of talent management strategies and initiatives. Bakken will also provide overall departmental support to specific talent programs through board collaboration, internal and external communication, coordination with facilitators and speakers, project management and with internal teams including events and marketing.
Before joining the LRCC, Bakken spent most of her career in the software/technology industry, with much of that time being at TechSmith. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications from Central Michigan University, while she also spent time interning at Walt Disney World in Florida and the Late Show with David Letterman in New York City.
Bakken resides in the Village of Dimondale with her husband Ben, and their blended family of five kids, Clara, Emma, Jack, Alex, and Henry.
Kelsey Teribery
Marketing Manager
Kelsey Teribery is the marketing manager for the LRCC. Teribery is responsible for assisting with implementing marketing tactics and strategies as well as maintaining a strong presence on the LRCC’s social media channels. Teribery graduated from James Madison College with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and resides in Lansing with her son Atlas.
Amanda Matelonek
Multimedia Manager
Amanda Matelonek is the multimedia manager for the LRCC. Matelonek is responsible for managing and updating website content, creating graphics, and assisting with executing marketing and communication strategies.
Before joining the LRCC, Matelonek worked at the Michigan House of Representatives for five years. Matelonek has a master’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing from Northwood University.