Our mission is to provide progressive and unified resources to enhance Wayne America
The Wayne America Team, Board of Directors, and Community Partners have a shared vision to foster economic development, support chamber membership, improve housing, and attract tourism throughout Wayne County.
Our Team
Luke Virgil
Director
Economic Development
12+ years in Economic Development
7+ years of helping Wayne America thrive
Top Interests: Childcare, Government Affairs, Housing, Business Recruitment & Broadband
Elise Reese
Assistant Director
Housing Development
12+ years in Accounts Payable & Receivable
5+ years in Business Admin, Mgmt & HR
4+ years in LTC Social Work & Administration
Top Interests: Accessible & Affordable Housing for all, specializing in Geriatric Housing
Rachel Miller
Assistant Director
Membership & Chamber Services
7+ years in Business Administration & Marketing
4+ years in Fundraising & Development
Top Interests: Membership Relations & Event Planning/Promotion
Morgan Woodward
Assistant Director
Marketing & Tourism
10+ years in Marketing & Event Mgmt
5+ years in HR & Business Admin
Top Interests: Social Media Marketing,
Digital Analytics, Tourism
Our Board of Directors - Wayne America, Inc.
Megan Finn
Board President
Assistant Athletic Director
Wayne State College
Ria Pedersen
Board Vice President
AVP of Marketing
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust
Dr. Josh Hopkins
Board Treasurer
Optometrist
Evolving Eyecare
Mandy Olson
Board Secretary
Plant Manager
Williams Form Engineering
Justin Davis
ORG Committee Rep
Financial Advisor
Ameriprise Financial Services
Rath, Walling & Associates
Brandon Hall
M&E Committee Rep
Store Manager
Wayne ACE Hardware & Home
Jill Sweetland
B&I Committee Rep
Director, Collections
FNBO
Jeaney Harris
WCHDC Rep
VP/Mortgage Specialist
Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust
Dean Burbach
County Rep
District 2
Wayne County Commissioners
Nicole Haglund
PMC Rep
CEO
Providence Medical Center
Dr. Mark Lenihan
WCS Rep
Superintendent
Wayne Community Schools
Dr. Marysz Rames
WSC Rep
President
Wayne State College
Jill Brodersen
City Rep
Ward 4
Wayne City Council
Brittany Webber
City Rep
Ward 3
Wayne City Council
Wes Blecke
Ex-Officio
Wayne City Administrator
Our Community Partners
Wayne America, Inc. was formed via a partnership between the City of Wayne, Wayne County, Wayne Community Housing Development Corporation (WCHDC), and Wayne Area Economic Development, Inc. (WAED), but could not function without its close ties to Providence Medical Center (PMC), Wayne Community Schools (WCS), and Wayne State College (WSC).
