2019 State of Tourism Address 

Please join us on Thursday, April 4, 2019 for the 4th Annual Lake Erie Shores & Islands State of Tourism Address, held at the Catawba Island Club. Help us welcome Ohio’s new Department of Natural Resources Director, Mary Mertz. Ms. Mertz will share her perspective on the importance of her role in the administration and her love of Lake Erie. You’ll also hear about Lake Erie Shores & Islands major activities and accomplishments from 2018 and plans for the new year.

4:30 pm Arrival and Registration
5:00 pm Presentations - Including ODNR Director Mary Mertz, LES&I President Larry Fletcher, LES&I 2018 Year-in-Review, Partner of the Year Award, and SHORE (Superior Hospitality Recognition) Award
6:00 pm Reception with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

ODNR Director Mary Mertz

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine nominated Mary Mertz as Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) on Dec. 5, 2018.

Mertz served as the First Assistant Attorney General under Mike DeWine in the Attorney General's Office where she oversaw both the legal and administrative operations of the office.

She has extensive legal experience in both the private and public sectors, having practiced law at a large, multi-national law firm.

Mertz also served as chief of staff to Mike DeWine while he was Lt. Governor, as the legislative director for Congressman Bob McEwen, in the office of legislative affairs in the White House, and worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources while working for Ohio Gov. George V. Voinovich.

Mertz is an avid sailor and outdoorsperson.