A Different Kind of CEO

Doug Small ’82 Leads Efforts to ‘Experience Grand Rapids’

For Doug Small, it is about the destination, not the journey.

As president and “Chief Experience Officer” of Experience Grand Rapids, he leads the destination marketing non-profit organization charged with the mission to market Michigan’s second largest city and the surrounding region as a premier convention and visitor destination.

“When I got the opportunity to come here and interview, I saw the city and said, ‘Wow, this is a place I really want to be,’ ” said Small, who received his bachelor’s degree in hotel, restaurant and institutional management from Siena Heights in 1982. “What’s not to love about choosing to live in a city, and whatever that city is, you get to get up every day and represent it? That was exciting to me, and still is.”

After graduating from Siena Heights, Small got his start as a banquet manager at the Sheraton Westgate Hotel in Toledo, Ohio. However, he soon realized destination marketing was his future career path.

“While working in Dayton (Ohio), I got my first real taste of the destination marketing side,” he said. “It got me excited to look at that as a potential career.”

Rising Stars

“Rising Stars” is a regular feature in Reflections. It profiles Siena Heights alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years and who excel in their careers, occupations or community service accomplishments. To be considered for “Rising Stars” in an upcoming issue of Reflections, fill out the online form at www.sienaheights.edu/risingstars. Those who are selected to be included in an upcoming issue of the magazine will be contacted by the Reflections staff.

Kendall Acho

Graduation year (from SHU): 2012.

Current title/position: Director of Ticketing and Special Events, University of Detroit Mercy.

What Kendall is doing: After receiving her master’s degree in sports administration from Marshall University in 2014, she is currently at the University of Detroit Mercy, overseeing ticketing for all athletic events, as well as any outside events hosted in our venues. She also helps plan marketing and advancement initiatives for the athletics department and university.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: “Besides playing on the women’s basketball team, was being the only student representative on the football exploratory task force. It was very rewarding to see the hard work of so many people finally come to fruition with the inaugural season during my senior year at SHU.”

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: My basketball coach, Sue Syljebeck.

My ultimate goal in life is: To hold an executive position with a professional sports organization.

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Don’t take your time in college for granted, they will be some of the most fun and carefree years of your life. Also, don’t worry about what others think, step out of your comfort zone to try new things.”

Rising Stars

Lisa Lothringer

Graduation year (from SHU): 2014.

Current title/position: Assistant Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority, Van Buren (Mich.) Township.

What Lisa is doing: She is responsible for all marketing and community outreach for the Downtown Development Authority. She works to promote the businesses within the DDA boundaries, build relationships with neighboring municipalities and strengthen the sense of community. Lothringer also takes part in and organizes trade events to showcase and introduces the opportunities within the township to businesses locally, regionally and nationally.

My favorite moment/story while a student at Siena Heights was: Realizing that even with balancing family and working full-time, I was able to graduate cumma sum laude.

My favorite person at Siena Heights was: Julie Edwards.

Ultimate goal in life: “To enjoy what I do for work each and every day so it does not feel like a job.”

My best piece of advice for SHU students is: “Never stop reaching for your goals. Returning to school to finally finish my degree was a promise I had made to my dad just before he died. Fifteen years later, I know he was smiling down from heaven as I crossed that stage and received my degree.”