Cindy Smyka
Executive Director
Executive Director, Cindy Smyka has always appreciated Ely's landscape and respected the entrepreneurial lifestyle the tourism industry necessitates. After completing a postgraduate education in Sustainable Tourism Development, she eagerly returned home. She considers it a privilege to serve Ely in this role and takes great joy in sharing this special place with others. Cindy and her young family seek a life well-lived and have found the perfect place - on a lake in Ely, Minnesota.
Sarah Vogl
Marketing Director
Since 2006, Sarah has worked as a graphic designer and marketing expert in a variety of industries. She’s been visiting the area her whole life and is very passionate about sharing our beautiful area with people from around the world. Sarah moved to Ely in 2021 with her husband and two kids - fulfilling a lifelong dream. They’re proud and grateful to call Ely home!
Mike Fitzgerald
Mike lives near Ely with his wife Sara and their son Caden. Mike is the owner of Wolvenwood Studio, an Ely-based creative agency that helps businesses and organizations authentically, effectively, and creatively share their stories through branding, videography, photography, and design. He believes all people, businesses, and organizations should aspire to be better than we were yesterday, so we can more effectively serve those around us today. By creating a collaborative environment full of introspection, empathy, and optimism, he and his clients are better equipped to efficiently, and creatively share their stories.
Chris Ellerbroek
Chris Ellerbroek is owner of Ten80 North, a website design and marketing solutions business based in Ely. Chris grew up in a family resort business, and as such, hospitality and entrepreneurship are in his DNA. For the past 20 years, he has been helping businesses tell their story through marketing. Chris and his family are active in the Ely community, and he is a passionate photographer and content creator, both professionally and as a hobby.
Lacey Squier
Lacey Squier moved Ely with her husband Eric and their dog Wendell in 2019, and she has been an outspoken Ely-enthusiast ever since! Her experiences studying interpersonal communication, creative writing, and leadership development combine to prepare her well for work as a professional conversationalist, aka host of the What's Up Ely Podcast. When not behind the microphone, Lacey manages an economic and community development program called Boundary Waters Connect and teaches pie and potica classes at the Ely Folk School.
Brett Ross
An Ely resident since 1998, Brett has raised two children here, been involved with a number of area non-profit organizations, a youth sports coach and mentor, photographer, radio broadcaster and podcaster. He has a passion for trails- mountain biking, Nordic skiing, hiking and trail running- and thrives on giving back to the Ely community that has given so much to him.
Alycia Roller
Alycia is a collector of stories and believes that writing about lived experiences is important to connecting humanity and inspiring people in their own lives. Having traveled to over 22 countries for various volunteer work, she finds joy in the things that unite us. The outdoors is one of those connections and the Northwoods offers endless opportunities to be inspired. Alycia and her husband Tom have resided in Ely since 2014, adding their little woodland fairy daughter Juniper to the mix in 2019.
Beth Chapman
Beth has a lifetime of entrepreneurial experience and was raised by entrepreneur parents, you could say it is "in her blood". She specializes in finance, strategy, administration, human resources and process improvement. Her educational background is also business focused, from the University of Minnesota. She has lived and worked in Northern Minnesota for her entire lifetime, but regularly enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, cooking and being with the people and pets she loves.