News Release

WINONA LAKE — The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams has appointed its new assistant director of marketing, Rucel “Rusty” Martinez, who assumed the position Monday, May 23.

Rusty Martinez

Martinez most recently served as creative director at MudLOVE where he led marketing and content creation efforts for the brand. His work introduced him to the clean water crisis in the Central African Republic and the mission of Water for Good. This experience developed a growing passion for the health and beauty of Kosciusko County’s lakes and streams.

“Seeing the way clean water access transforms communities in the Central African Republic helped me understand the importance of keeping our local lakes clean, healthy, safe and beautiful,” said Martinez.

He graduated from Grace College in 2015 and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in photography and graphic design. He currently resides in Winona Lake.

Martinez first connected with Dr. Nate Bosch, Lilly Center director, six years ago while volunteering at their local church.

“Rusty’s passion for our community and his unique set of skills make him an exciting new addition to the Lilly Center,” Dr. Bosch explains. “He joins us with a strong understanding of the positive impact healthy lakes have on our community.”

Martinez draws on a diverse background in photography, graphic design and writing. As assistant director of marketing, he will work alongside Dr. Bosch and the rest of the staff to lead strategic communications and marketing efforts to advance the mission of the Lilly Center.

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe and beautiful. Having conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 40 lakes, the Lilly Center is driven to equip community members, visitors and future generations with understanding and to enjoy the county’s natural beauty. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.