Misty Weisensteiner
Misty Weisensteiner has stepped into her role as the new executive director of the Columbus Area Visitors Center.
Weisensteiner, who began her new role July 5, comes to Columbus from Radius, Indiana, where she served as the first chief operating officer of Discover Southern Indiana. As part of the first regional tourism effort in the state, she led marketing initiatives and oversaw a brand refresh for the organization.
Karen Niverson left the local visitors center leadership post in 2022.
Weisensteiner, a native of Orange County, has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and tourism management. Before joining Radius, she was director of core strategy implementation for the Indiana Destination Development Corp. She also worked as the executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, Orange County Economic Development Partnership and Visit French Lick West Baden.
Search committee chair and Columbus Area Visitors Center Board President Jenny Kim talked of Weisensteiner’s background and ability.
“The search committee was impressed by Misty’s experience as a leader in the Indiana tourism industry,” Kim said. “She is well-known and respected among her peers throughout the state, and as a native of southern Indiana, we believe she’ll be a great cultural fit for Bartholomew County.”
Weisensteiner, a certified destination marketing executive, said she has had the opportunity to visit Columbus on several occasions.
“During my past visits to Columbus, I have been intrigued by the undeniable uniqueness of this community,” she said. “Among its many other assets, the city’s architectural heritage makes it an uncommon destination, not only in Indiana but in the rest of the nation. I am eager to work alongside my new team at the visitors center to tell the story of this special place.”
Weisensteiner’s priority is to get to know the people and organizations that make Columbus work.
“Already I see the tremendous level of collaboration that takes place in this community,” Weisensteiner said. “I’m excited to contribute to the partnerships that advance economic growth and create vibrancy in our neighborhoods.
“I’m also looking forward to getting out and exploring the entire county, visiting Hope and Edinburgh, and learning what they have to offer.”
Weisensteiner, a mother of two with a son and a daughter enrolled at Purdue, is looking forward to settling in and taking advantage of all the area has to offer.
“Columbus is such a charming and welcoming community with so much to do” she said. “I love the outdoors, I’m excited to get to know the public parks, and the People Trail is a huge attraction. It really is the perfect place for me.”
