July 30, 2010
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The People Behind the Magazine...

Kristen K. Tucker    Editor & Publisher

Kristen K. Tucker formed Tucker Publishing Group along with her husband, Todd, in September 1999 and published the first issue of Evansville Living in March 2000.

Kristen, publisher and editor of Evansville Living, has more than 20 years experience in journalism, public relations, and marketing. She holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and English from Western Kentucky University and a master's degree in liberal studies from the University of Southern Indiana.

Kristen is a member of the City and Regional Magazine Association and serves on the board of directors for the following organizations: A Network of Evansville Women, the YWCA, Evansville Commerce Bank, the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. In 2007, she helped to found the Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County. She also is a member of the 100+ year old Social Literary Club. Kristen is the 2003 Athena Award recipient and the 2006 recipient of the Indiana Commission for Women’s Torchbearer Award.

Todd A. Tucker    President

Todd A. Tucker formed Tucker Publishing Group with his wife, Kristen Tucker, when he left his career in surgical sales to help with Evansville Living's rapid growth. Todd, president of Tucker Publishing Group, has 15 years experience in medical capital equipment and surgical support sales.

He received his bachelor of science in liberal studies from the University of Evansville, as well as a master's of science in management from Oakland City University. He has also attended classes at Indiana University Kelly School of Business. Todd is on the board of directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Youth First, University of Southern Indiana School of Business, and the Economic Development Coalition of Southwestern Indiana. He is also active in numerous civic and philanthropic organizations. Todd is a weekly contributor on FOX7/WTVW and a regular guest lecturer on entrepreneurship at the University of Evansville. He was elected to the national board of directors for the City and Regional Magazine Association in 2008.

Todd and his wife, Kristen, live in Evansville and have two young children, Maxwell, born in 1998, and Jackson, born in 2001. Todd is an avid triathlete who has completed 13 marathons and numerous triathlons as well as three Ironman events, most recently Ironman Louisville in August 2007.

He has a tremendous passion for bad drumming and has coached more youth sports teams than he can count. He and his family are members of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Louis LaPlante    Associate Managing Editor

After joining Tucker Publishing Group in December 2006 as a staff writer, Louis La Plante became the associate managing editor in July 2009.

Louis received his bachelor's degree in electronic media from Xavier University. He is a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, a member of the Rotaract Club of Evansville, and a volunteer with community outreach group, Give Back Tri-State.

From Zesto’s giant Texas tenderloin to Ray Ray’s fried chicken, Louis loves finding the best cheap eats in Evansville, yet he wonders why he weighs 200 pounds. He attends hot yoga, plays basketball weekly, and works out at the YMCA. So he says.

Kristen Lund    Senior Writer

Kristen Lund joined Tucker Publishing Group in May 2008 as a staff writer after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Evansville. She was promoted to senior writer in July 2009.

Prior to earning a bachelor’s degree in writing and international studies, Kristen spent two semesters abroad in England and South Africa and completed an editorial internship with Tucker Publishing Group. Her work has been published in Indianapolis Monthly and The Indianapolis Star’s community magazines and has aired on WNIN public radio.

Kristen grew up in Columbus, Ind. A lifelong dancer and arts enthusiast, she studies classical ballet technique and pointe in Evansville. Kristen lives Downtown with her husband Eric, a music therapist and fellow UE alum, and their dog Lena.

Laura M. Mathis    Creative Director

Laura M. Mathis joined Tucker Publishing Group's in-office team in July 2003 as art director after serving as freelance art director since the magazines’ inception in September 1999. Laura has more than 20 years of graphic design experience. In 2007, she was promoted to creative director.

Laura received her bachelor's degree in advertising from Western Kentucky University. She is a member of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra board of directors.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Laura currently resides in Owensboro with her sports writer husband Mark Mathis and daughters Natalie, born in 1995, and Lillie, born in 1999. She enjoys gardening, walking, re-decorating her home, and spending time with her daughters.

Jinni Calabrese-Nall    Art Director

Jinni Calabrese-Nall joined Tucker Publishing Group in February 2008 as art director. Jinni previously served as a national marketing/communications manager with Fifth Third Private Bank for five years.

Jinni received a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in marketing and finance, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Jinni, a native of Mt. Carmel, IL, currently resides in Newburgh with her husband Tom and two cats. When she is not designing for the magazine, she is designing in her studio at home, spending time with family and friends, or traveling in search of the latest fashion trends.

Heather Powers    Art Director

Heather Powers joined Tucker Publishing Group in November 2009 as an art director. She previously served as the director of Web design at Media Mix Communications for nearly 10 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the University of Evansville.

At Tucker Publishing Group, Heather is involved in all facets of design, including conceptualization and layout for TPG publications. She also is responsible for Web site development, custom publishing projects, and photography.

Heather currently resides in her hometown of Poseyville, Ind., with her fiancé Jason. A self-proclaimed geek, she has a knack for tinkering with computers and loves gadgets, video games, and science fiction movies. In her spare time, Heather enjoys riding her pink bike, baking cupcakes, collecting t-shirts, and finding great deals on the Internet.

Jennifer McDaniel    Graphic Designer

Jennifer McDaniel joined Tucker Publishing Group in December 2008 as a graphic designer. She was an associate art director at Milwaukee magazine and a graphic designer at In Form Design — a creative studio specializing in the interiors industry in Jasper, Ind.

Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in visual communication design from Anderson University in 2006.

This self-described "neat freak" is all about organization skills. This Milwaukee native loves cheese curds and custard ice cream — two Wisconsin pastimes, she says. She currently lives on the West Side where she loves to play volleyball and work out.

Laurel Rawden    Advertising Director

Laurel Rawden joined Tucker Publishing Group in July 2006 as an account executive. Four years later, she was named advertising director. She enjoys being a part of Tucker Publishing Group and helping her clients grow their business. “TPG has so much to offer our clients; it is so exciting to watch their business grow and gain community exposure!” Laurel says.

Laurel received her bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from the University of Southern Indiana. Work experience includes serving as a client relations director at an advertising agency and working in the local television arena.

An Evansville native, Laurel currently resides in Newburgh with her South African husband, George; their three children, Nick, Emma, and Austin; and two dogs, Chance and Sassy. Laurel's favorite season is summer, and she loves spending time outside.

Jessica L. Campbell    Account Executive

Jessica L. Campbell joined Tucker Publishing Group in December 2001 as advertising coordinator after receiving her bachelor's degree in advertising from the University of Southern Indiana. She now serves as account executive.

Prior to graduation, Jessica completed an internship with Tucker Publishing Group, as well as advertising internships with SMG Evansville and WNIN Channel 9.

Jessica grew up in Cynthiana, Ind., and graduated from North Posey High School. She serves as a board member of the Evansville Museum Contemporaries and is also a member of Leadership Evansville and Evansville Half Marathon committee. Jessica also volunteers in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Lily.

Jennifer Rhoades    Account Executive

Jennifer Rhoades joined Tucker Publishing Group in December 2002 as an advertising coordinator. She was promoted to marketing manager in 2005 and became an account executive in May 2010.

Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Southern Indiana. She is involved in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program as a big sister.

Jennifer grew up in Cynthiana, Ind. She married John Rhoades, of Evansville, in September 2003, and they reside in Newburgh. They welcomed their daughter, Hayden, on August 14, 2007. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her friends and family.

Jeff Coffey    Account Executive

Jeff Coffey joined Tucker Publishing Group in June 2010 as an account executive after graduating from the University of Missouri with a marketing degree.

Prior to earning his bachelor’s degree from Mizzou, Jeff played basketball for St. Louis University for two years.

The St. Charles, Mo., native has eight nieces and nephews and easily is the most popular uncle around. Jeff enjoys basketball, biking, and sleeping — a lot.

Lindsey Niemeier    Marketing Manager

Lindsey Niemeier joined Tucker Publishing Group in August 2009 as an account executive and became marketing manager in May 2010. The longtime sales representative has been a part of Thrifty Nickel, Phoenix Digital Imaging, and the Courier & Press.

Lindsey, a Memorial High School graduate, has a “bucket list” that includes traveling the world. She loves pottery, the ocean, the Riverfront, and Main Street. “Working for the magazine has given me an even greater appreciation for our community and everything it has to offer,” Lindsey says.

Melody Terry    Circulation Coordinator

Melody Terry joined Tucker Publishing Group in February 2004 as administrative assistant. She became the circulation coordinator in 2006.

She attended the University of Evansville and Lockyear Business College and is an active member of the Evansville Parks Foundation Board.

Melody grew up in Evansville and has lived in New York and Las Vegas. Back home again in Indiana, she enjoys playing cards, gardening, and spending time with her family and son, Sam.

Kim Grimm    Accounting Manager

Kim Grimm joined Tucker Publishing Group in April 2010 as accounting manager. Kim previously served as ERP financials consultant at InGen Technologies, Inc.; and in the accounting departments of Mead Johnson and MEC Medical Centers.

Kim received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Southern Indiana.

She enjoys creating websites for small businesses, gardening, participating in various clubs and activities relative to North High School, and, most importantly, raising her children Benjamin and Katherine with her husband Tim.

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