'Visit Columbus' expands team

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Visit Columbus has announced the addition of three new full-time staff members as part of an organizational restructuring designed to strengthen the organization’s capacity to implement the initiatives outlined in the organization’s Destination Master Plan. 

The move reflects the continued commitment of Visit Columbus to growing tourism in Bartholomew County. 

Misty Weisensteiner, CDME, Executive Director of Visit Columbus, said, “Last year, we adopted an ambitious Destination Master Plan to grow tourism in Bartholomew County. Adding these individuals will provide additional support to our existing team and enable us to accomplish the exciting work ahead of us.”    

The new staff members are:   

• Ashton Barrett-Kelsay, Operations and Finance Manager, will support the organization’s internal systems, financial processes, and day-to-day operations
• Abigail Flout, Special Events and Projects Manager, will assist with events, project coordination, and implementation of key Destination Master Plan initiatives   
• Caroline Andress, Marketing Coordinator, a recent Purdue University graduate and former Visit Columbus summer intern, will lead the organization's graphic design and visual marketing efforts

Tourism is important to the local economy, supporting jobs, local businesses, and the community's quality of life. Visit Columbus works to attract visitors, support meetings and events, promote cultural and recreational assets, and collaborate with community partners to position Bartholomew County as a distinctive and welcoming destination.    

In 2024, visitors spent $226 million here, generating an economic impact of $127 million and supporting 2,690 local jobs, making tourism the sixth-largest industry in the County. That activity also produced $22.6 million in state and local tax revenue, funding services that benefit every resident.