Our Team

Visit Manitowoc possesses a team of experienced, energetic tourism professionals committed to ensuring visitors have the best time along the lakeshore! 

Cropped Courtney Hansen Insight Headshot January 2024

Courtney Hansen Director of Tourism

Courtney was hired as Director of Tourism in February 2022 and immediately began building up the new destination marketing organization. In her role, Courtney directs the overall marketing and sales efforts for Visit Manitowoc. Courtney first dove into the tourism industry when she served the state as Miss Wisconsin 2016. Following this unique position, Courtney continued her career in various roles first in Madison and later in the Manitowoc area in marketing, branding, public relations and fund development. A Manitowoc native, Courtney is committed to serving and growing the community. Courtney served as an Alderwoman for the City of Manitowoc from 2019-2021 and is currently on the Chamber of Manitowoc Board of Directors, Progress Lakeshore marketing committee, Rahr-West Art Museum Board of Directors, and Young Professionals of Manitowoc County.

Erika_Our Team

Erika Christel Media & Special Events Coordinator

A Manitowoc native, Erika has always been fond of the unique attractions, beautiful lakes and parks, and many opportunities that Manitowoc provides. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing from UW-Whitewater. During her years in Whitewater, Erika was employed as the Marketing Coordinator at Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce and Whitewater Tourism Council (Discover Whitewater). She became actively involved with the community and served on several boards, including the Whitewater Marketing Alliance. By the time she graduated in 2020, Erika was serving as the Interim Director of Discover Whitewater. In her current role with Visit Manitowoc, Erika creates content and marketing materials, maintains the website, and coordinates Special Events within the City of Manitowoc. She also serves on the City of Manitowoc Wellness Committee, Chamber of Manitowoc County Marketing Committee, and the Rahr-West Art Museum Marketing Committee.

Breleigh in 2025

Breleigh Destination Marketing Intern

Breleigh is currently a student at Lincoln High School with an interest in marketing and community engagement. She began her internship with Visit Manitowoc in June of 2024 and helps the team by working at city events, assisting visitors at the Visitor Information Center at the S.S. Badger Carferry dock, and reviewing event submissions for the Visit Manitowoc website. After high school, she plans to attend college to pursue a degree in marketing.

Laci Kitzmann

Laci Kitzmann Farmers Market Manager

Laci is currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where she is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. A lifelong Manitowoc community member, Laci has been attending the Manitowoc Farmers Market since she was little, making her role as Farmers Market Manager especially meaningful. In her position, Laci oversees the coordination and day-to-day operations of the market, working closely with vendors, non-profit organizations, and visitors to create a welcoming and fun experience each week. She has a passion for social media, community engagement, and fun events, and she enjoys spotlighting the vendors and fresh, local products that make the Manitowoc Farmers Market a favorite community tradition.

Interested in supporting Manitowoc’s tourism industry? Visit Manitowoc is currently recruiting volunteers to provide visitor services at both the city’s official visitor information center and the S.S. Badger Car Ferry ticket office. To receive more information, please contact Courtney Hansen at (920) 686-3505 or chansen@manitowocwi.gov