Kyla Schatz
Visitor Experience Specialist
Started working at the Alpena Area CVB in 2019
Years working in the marketing field: 3
When Kyla isn’t watching Harry Potter movies you can find her taking in a theater show with friends or volunteering for local organizations like Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. As a former Deck Hand for the Lady Michigan glass-bottom boat, nobody at the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau knows more about the shipwrecks of Lake Huron than Kyla.
Kyla’s Stats
Main Responsibilities: 
- Guest Engagement
- Tourism Asset Information Management
- Community Calendar of Events
- Social Media Support
- Visitor Guide Distribution
- Information Request Follow-Up
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University with a concentration in Communications and Event Management
- High school diploma – Alpena High School
Volunteer Work:
- Lake Huron Discovery Tour, internship
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary volunteer
Favorite way to drink coffee: Cold-brew with Irish Cream
Cliffs Notes
Career Highlights:
As the newest member of the Alpena Area CVB team, Kyla has hit the ground running. She brings a positive, upbeat attitude to the Bureau and guests love interacting with her in the Visitor Center Lobby. Kyla’s experience in working with the Lake Huron Discovery Tour has allowed the Bureau to quickly enhance the services it provides to visitors, groups, and has allowed the Bureau to expand programming significantly.
Unique Experience: 
Kyla’s internship was managing social media and outreach for the Lake Huron Discovery Tour, a weekend celebration including every city and community along the coast of Northeastern lower Michigan between Standish and Mackinaw City. She had the privilege of speaking on the Lake Huron Discovery Tour team panel during the 2018 Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Favorite local hidden gem: The sand dunes at Thompson’s Harbor State Park
Let’s Ask Her
Why do you like working in the tourism industry?
I have worked in the hospitality and tourism business for most of my life, and always knew I wanted to make that my career path. I thrive on meeting new people and finding out where they have traveled, and I get to do that every day here working at the Bureau. I look forward to my new position as Visitor Experience Specialist and hope to be a great asset for the community.
What do you love about Northeast Michigan?
I grew up living on Grand Lake in Presque Isle and I’ve always enjoyed water activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking. I also like running and yoga on the beach. My favorite part about living in northeastern Michigan is the abundance of lakes, beaches, and forests. I need to be near the water. It’s my therapy. I couldn’t imagine living somewhere other than Michigan and I want to share my love for the area with visitors.