By James Windell
Jennifer Sistrunk, Executive Director of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Mayor’s Service Award at the South Haven City Council Meeting on December 16, 2024.
Presented to Sistrunk by Mayor Annie Brown, the Mayor’s Service Award has not been given out since 2011.
Reading the award, Mayor Brown said that Sistrunk was receiving the recognition for her “tireless commitment to enriching the lives of everyone in our community.”
The mayor went on to say that the award was to recognize Sistrunk’s significant contribu-tions to the community through her leadership in key projects such as the Phoenix Street Kayak Launch, Sesquicentennial Trail, South Haven Bike Rack Project, and the “Visit South Haven” billboards on I-196. “These initiatives have brought inclusive access to South Haven’s natural resources, celebrated South Haven’s history, and provided the opportunity for local artists to show-case their artwork in a functional way throughout the City,” the Mayor said reading the plaque.
Furthermore, the Mayor’s Service Award emphasized that Sistrunk is an active member of the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus, South Haven Diversity Coalition, Tourism Coalition of Michigan, and Women Who Care and that she dedicates “countless hours to help grow the local economy and support local organizations.”
She was appointed to the position of Executive Director of the South Haven Convention & Visitor’s Bureau in May, 2021. Since taking over leadership of the bureau, Sistrunk has spent time volunteering on various boards and committees, such as the West Michigan Tourist Associa-tion, South Haven Area Recreation Authority, Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, and serves as President for the South Haven Center for the Arts Board of Directors. Her efforts have been recognized through prestigious awards, including CVB Star of the Year by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and being featured in the 40 under 40 Award Series by Moody on the Market.
“It is an honor receiving this award,” Sistrunk said after receiving the award. “It is especially an honor since it has not been given in last few years.”
Sistrunk, who is a life-long resident of South Haven and was the graphic designer at the bureau before she became Executive Director, added that there was another surprise that came with award. “That surprise was that I am the first person of color to receive this recognition. That makes it very special for me.”
