INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Secretary and CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) Elaine Bedel are pleased to announce new key staff members.
David Buskill is the new Vice President of Partnership Development. Buskill joins IDDC with more than 20 years of the campaign, fundraising, business development, marketing, and communications experience.
For several years he was a fundraising and political consultant, planning fundraising events featuring The President of the United States, the Vice President, First Lady, Speaker of the House, and multiple cabinet members and governors.
From 2016 to 2017, he oversaw the political strategy, fundraising, paid and earned media for the Indiana Republican State Committee. Before that, he was the Director of Industry Outreach for Conexus Indiana.
Mitchell Gauger is the Director of Graduate Retention. Gauger joins IDDC with nearly a decade of higher education and non-profit experience, including fundraising, student affairs, and student recruitment. Gauger was a Major Gifts Officer at Culver Academies, most recently, working with hundreds of benefactors nationwide.
He held similar fundraising roles at Ball State University Teachers College and College of Architecture and Planning as well as the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis Association Office. Previously, Gauger held admissions and student affairs positions in Kokomo, at both Purdue Polytechnic Institute and Ivy Tech Community College.
“David and Mitchell have proven track records in their respective fields,” Crouch said. “I couldn’t be more excited about how their talents will impact our future growth.”
IDDC has several new additions, including:
Aissatou Balde joined IDDC as the Digital Marketing Strategist. Balde comes from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), where she was a Case Investigator Supervisor during COVID-19.
Before ISDH, Aissatou spent four years as the creative director of Tales and Turbans. She worked with brands such as Buick and Pampers to develop, support, and lead events to support creators and share best practices, product updates, and curate digital content.
After two decades of television news and as a television broadcast teacher, Shawn Pierce joined IDDC as a Content Creator and Graphic Designer.
Pierce was a Creative Services Producer and Photojournalist at WISH-TV in Indianapolis. He is a seasoned videographer and photographer in visual storytelling. He also worked on promotional and commercial campaigns, helping clients achieve their branding messages.
Allison Vantasky joins IDDC as a Social Media and Public Relations officer. Over the past five years, Vantasky had worked for the Indiana House of Representatives.
During those five years, she was the Press Secretary for eight state representatives, facilitating media requests, writing press releases and newsletters. Vantasky also held the position of digital media specialist, where she coordinated daily social media content and promotional materials.
Nancy Jacobson is a seasoned sales and account manager. Previously, she worked at Flex Technology and Konica Minolta Business Solutions as an account executive. Jacobson joins the team as a Field Representative and Executive Assistant.
“IDDC’s mission is to promote, brand, and tell Indiana’s authentic story to attract and retain talent, students, business, and visitors,” Bedel said. “These new hires are essential as we expand partnerships and broaden our reach to new businesses and industries.”
To reach out to IDDC staff members, click here.
