The Lansing City Committee of the Whole unanimously approved the appointment of Tracy Ann Kent to an at-large seat on the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA) Board of Commissioners on Sept. 22. Kent’s term is scheduled to expire June 30, 2028.

Tracy Kent told the committee she grew up in Michigan, is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality and has spent roughly 20 years managing local Marriott hotels. “I think I can bring to the group kind of an expertise of the hospitality and tourism industry,” Kent said, citing experience with local conventions, hotel operations and visitor services.

Kent also said she serves on the Choose Lansing board of directors and described a desire to help the board strengthen tourism and event activity in Lansing. Asked about potential uses for facilities such as Jackson Field, Kent mentioned larger-scale draws and events that could bring visitors to downtown and lift the hospitality and restaurant sectors.

Council member Garza asked whether there is a geographic residency requirement for LEPFA appointees. City Attorney Greg explained that the statute and the authority’s articles of incorporation do not impose a residency requirement for at-large appointments, and that an at-large appointee need only be “fit to serve” based on experience and qualifications.

Vice President Carter moved the resolution to appoint Tracy Ann Kent to the LEPFA board; the motion passed unanimously. Council members invited Kent to remain for the later council meeting to be sworn in.

Kent said she expects a management company (discussed by the board as Legends Global) to bring standardized operating procedures to facility management and that LEPFA will retain a role ensuring local priorities are met by managers. The committee did not place additional conditions on the appointment at the Sept. 22 meeting.