Education Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Marketing, University of Southern Indiana (2004); Master of Business Administration, University of Southern Indiana (2008)
Hometown Milltown, Indiana
Resume Senior Strategic Engagement Director, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana (2023-present); Director of Marketing and Annual Campaigns, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana (2014-23); Media Director, AXIOM (2006-13); Adjunct Faculty, University of Southern Indiana (2005-21); Media Buyer, Keller-Crescent Co. (2003-06); Administrative Assistant, Kitch & Schreiber (2002-03)
Family Husband Darren Verkamp
The art of storytelling captivated Lisa Verkamp from a young age. Combined with an artistic nature and business acumen, she’s made a career in marketing and advertising for more than 20 years. Joining the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana was the final piece of the puzzle, allowing her to use her passions and strengths to make an impact in the community she loves.
“I consider myself kind of this chief storyteller,” she says. “I’ve always had both an analytical side and a creative side, and this industry lets me exercise both. Marketing and advertising may live in the same world, but they require very different ways of thinking — and I love that balance.”
What made you want to work for the YMCA?
I’ve always had a servant’s heart. … The Y has been quietly serving this community for more than 165 years. It’s woven into the fabric of Evansville in ways people don’t always realize. There’s something really meaningful about being part of an organization that shows up for people every single day — often without asking for recognition. I have a deep appreciation for that.
Describe your role at the Y.
I joke that my actual title should probably be “Director of Other Duties as Assigned.” I oversee marketing, communications, philanthropy, and fundraising for YMCASWIN. So, professionally speaking, I tell stories and ask people for money. Thankfully, those two things actually work really well together. No two days are ever the same, and honestly, that’s probably why I’ve stayed in this role for so long.
Talk about the most rewarding part of your job.
As the marketing person, there are a lot of stories to tell. The YMCA impacts tens of thousands of people throughout our region. I get to witness that work firsthand and help connect people to that impact. I have the privilege of helping people learn more, know more, and understand what the Y means to the community. Because we do so much. We help so many people in so many different ways. That’s awesome to see and share every day.
Is it challenging finding those stories?
Everybody has a story about the Y. … Some people learn how to swim here. Some people work on their health or wellness goals. Some people went to summer camp. Some play basketball at the Y after school. I think that diversity is what I enjoy the most about the Y’s story. It’s also the biggest challenge in my job because we have meant so many different things to so many people over our 165 years in this community.
You’ve chosen to plant your roots in Evansville. Why?
I started school at USI, fell in love with Evansville, and have been here ever since. I like to be involved, so I volunteer a lot. I’ve tried to be a part of the community — not just live here, but know what’s going on. It’s the perfect big little city. Evansville has a very “figure it out and get it done” personality, and I genuinely love that about this community. People here show up for each other.
What advice would you give young professionals?
Do something that genuinely interests you, because curiosity is what keeps you growing. Ask questions. Pay attention. Find people who are smarter than you and learn from them. The older I get, the more I realize good mentors can change the trajectory of your life.
