LANSING, MICH. – Sept. 3, 2026 – Choose Lansing is pleased to announce the addition of Julie VanAcker, CTA, as Membership & Community Outreach Coordinator.
VanAcker joins Choose Lansing with experience in community engagement, events, partnerships and promotions. In her new role, she will work alongside Director of Membership & Community Engagement, Melissa Nay, to support Choose Lansing members and community outreach efforts throughout the Greater Lansing area.
“We’re excited to welcome Julie to the Choose Lansing team,” said Julie Pingston, President and CEO of Choose Lansing. “Her deep knowledge of Greater Lansing, community involvement and experience bringing people together will be valuable as we continue strengthening our partnerships and supporting the region’s hospitality and tourism community.”
For the past five years, VanAcker co-led Greater Lansing Area Moms, a local resource she helped establish to connect families with businesses, organizations, events and experiences throughout the region. Her work included partnerships and promotions with Michigan State University Athletics, Wharton Center for Performing Arts and Capital Area District Libraries, as well as helping organize GLAM Jam, an annual event that grew to approximately 50 vendors and more than 1,000 attendees.
A lifelong Greater Lansing resident and Michigan State University alumna, VanAcker earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from MSU and has been a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) since 2022.
“Julie has a genuine passion for Greater Lansing and a strong understanding of what makes our community special,” said Melissa Nay, Director of Membership & Community Engagement at Choose Lansing. “Her creativity, local knowledge and collaborative approach will be great assets to our team, and I’m looking forward to working alongside her.”
For more information about Choose Lansing, visit www.lansing.org or call 517-487-0077.
