TRAVEL LANE COUNTY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Economic Development Manager
Allie has been in the Eugene/Springfield area since 2011, and serves as the City of Springfield's Economic Development Manager. The best thing about her job is touring manufacturing facilities and understanding just how far the products made in Springfield reach. Allie's work also focuses on bringing new and redevelopment to the community in order to meet Springfield's current and future needs. When not being Springfield's biggest fan she can be found biking, walking her dog, or renovating her 100-year old home.
Amanda provides administrative assistance to the President & CEO, VP of Finance and Administration, Board of Directors and staff.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Stakeholder Relations
Andy oversees all local media communications, press releases and external reports. He is the primary community liaison for regional government, business and community groups.
Job Titles:
- City of Eugene, Interim Executive Director for Library, Recreation & Cultural Services
Ben hails from a tiny village in North Dakota and has a Bachelor's degree in communications and a Master's degree in theatre with a focus on directing. Prior to joining the City of Eugene, Ben served as an executive director for regional and community theatres and arts associations in North Dakota and Minnesota, where he also produced, directed, and on rare occasion acted in productions. He was also a lecturer on nonprofit marketing and nonprofit strategic planning at the University of North Dakota (classes he still teaches today thanks to the wonders of the internet). In 2016 he moved to Oregon to work for the City of Eugene as the marketing director for the Library, Recreation & Cultural Services department, and is currently serving as the department's Interim Executive Director.
Job Titles:
- Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO
Having been self-employed for the last 30 years, I bring an entrepreneurial vision to chamber purpose. I am dedicated to the Florence community and work hard to share the many ways to enjoy Oregon's Coastal Playground. With a passion for art, I have helped to promote Florence's many art destinations by hosting monthly exhibits in the visitors' center lobby. One of my favorite quotes is "Hearts have Chambers and Chambers have Hearts." My desire to help build sustainable economic development drives me to serve from my heart.
I am the Executive Director of Kidsports and Director of Civic Park in Eugene. I grew up in Canada and arrived in Eugene to attend the University of Oregon and play basketball in the late 1970's and following college I went on to play for the Canadian National team and in 1999 our team medaled in the Pan American Games. My professional career led me to Italy where we won three Italian championships and two European Cups. I was thrilled and honored to return to Eugene and serve as the University of Oregon's women's basketball coach from 2001 to 2009. As the the assistant coach for the Canadian Women's National Team we won back-to-back gold medals in 2015 at the Pan American Games in Toronto and the FIBA Americas in Edmonton, qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Basketball has brought me great joy and and I'm a proud member of the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Pac-12 All Century Team.
Job Titles:
- Convention Services Manager
Brian provides convention services support and assists meeting and event planners in planning, promoting and holding their meetings and events in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region.
Job Titles:
- Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO
I am proud to serve as the president and CEO of the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce in this beautiful community. Originally from the Midwest, I moved to Eugene in 2012 and quickly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. My driving passion for community work revolves around helping individuals, businesses and our community meet our fullest potential. As a chronic optimist and diligent problem solver, I sees the incredible opportunity we have in front of us to celebrate the beauty and wonderful businesses in our community- and overcome challenges together. I currently represent the business community on various boards and commissions throughout the region and serve at a national level as a board member for both the Western Association of Chamber Executives and the national Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
I came to the Eugene Airport in January 2007 where I am now the airport director for the City of Eugene. An Accredited Airport Executive, I serve as a national director on the American Association of Airport Executives Board of Directors and chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. I also serve as a member of the Oregon State Aviation Board. I am past-president of the Northwest Chapter of AAAE and past-president of the Oregon Airport Management Association. Prior to my work in the aviation industry, my first career was in broadcast journalism holding positions as a reporter, anchor, producer and photographer, in addition to some work in radio and newspaper. I hold a Bachelor of Science in technical journalism from Oregon State University and a Master of Science in applied information management from the University of Oregon, which makes me a platypus! I enjoy travel, both business and pleasure, and have absolutely no fear of flying.
Job Titles:
- Destination Development Manager
Job Titles:
- Lane Events Center Manager
I was born and raised in Eugene, and attended Churchill High School and Oregon State University. I have been working with the Lane County Fairgrounds and Events Center for over 23 years.
Dana founded Turell Group because she wanted to inspire people and make a difference in the world. She has nearly 30 years of marketing experience and her agency in downtown Eugene is approaching its 10-year anniversary. Turell Group serves dozens of clients of all sizes and specialties. Dana also serves on the boards of several local nonprofit agencies. Early on, she pursued a career on stage and is still known to treat the office now and then to a spontaneous showtune.
Job Titles:
- Commissioner - Springfield District 2
David Loveall, 61, married 43 years to Nita, a six-year Navy veteran, life-long entrepreneur, developer and former pastor, world-wide missionary and teacher of men. His journey toward a political endeavor is typical of his approach to life. Putting "skin in the game" is the key. Rolling up his sleeves, working hard and applying vision to the issues facing Springfield and Lane County are just what you'd expect from someone that acts on their dreams, beliefs and faith…"I believe this is what drives change, establishes kingdom direction and raises up warriors who will fight for what is right."
I'm the co-owner of Hub World Travel, dba America's Hub World Tours LLC, and co-owner of Best of the Northwest. Sales missions have included ITB, IPW, CITM, NAJ, Active America, JATA, Go-West and NTA Contact Exchange, and have taken me to China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, India, Africa and Canada. I am active on numerous boards and councils, including Travel Lane County's Board of Directors, the Eugene Sports Advisory Council, 2016-17 Board Chair for Travel Portland, Travel Portland Finance Committee, Community Action Committee, Clackamas Tourism Development Council, and the NTA-China Inbound Program.
Job Titles:
- Director of Event Operations, Sports
Ella supports the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission and assists sports event planners in promoting, planning, and conducting the best possible event for their organization.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Integrated Marketing
Emily leads the implementation and management of digital tools and platforms, branding and creative services, and photo and video production to support marketing strategies across all of Travel Lane County's target markets.
Job Titles:
- General Manager, Graduate Eugene
I have been in the Hospitality Industry in Lane County for many years. I am currently the General Manager of Graduate Eugene. I have also been the GM of Valley River Inn for 9 years. Prior to that I was the GM of Doubletree Eugene/Springfield. That is also where I got my start in the industry serving as a Bellman, Front Desk Agent, Director of front office and Director of sales. I have had the honor to have worked in the Portland market as GM of Doubletree Downtown and working at Jantzen Beach. Doubletree in Bend was an exciting stop as that is where I grew up. Also have been GM of Running Y and most recently Ashland Hill Inn. I am so excited to be back in Eugene which is home and look forward to contributing to the vibrant tourism culture that exists in our county. My family and I see this as the perfect place to live!
Greg is a 17-year resident and homeowner in ward 6. His city council committee assignments include: Budget Committee, Human Services Commission, Public Safety Coordinating Council. Greg is Associate Vice-President for Access, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at Lane Community College in Eugene. Greg's career as an educator includes a 23 year career as a classroom instructor, lecturer, workshop facilitator and consultant. Greg is the founder and program director of the award winning Rites of Passage Summer Academies for underrepresented and underserved student populations at Lane Community College. He is the President and CEO of The Greg Evans Group Education Consultants. Greg is active in youth sports and has coached students from kindergarten through high school working locally with Kidsports, the Eugene YMCA, and Emerald Valley Little League for over 20 years.
Job Titles:
- Member and Community Engagement Coordinator
Haley helps members maximize their partnership with Travel Lane County by tracking and fulfilling member benefits.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Real Estate
Irene joined Obie Companies in 2018 and was promoted to a Vice President in 2021. Irene oversees real estate for Obie Companies, including all aspects of the operations of the 5th Street Market District. Prior to joining Obie Companies, Irene worked as a commercial Broker with Evans Elder Brown & Seubert, Inc. and was the executive director of two non-profits; the Relief Nursery and Oregon's Festival of American Music. In her free time, she volunteers throughout the community, participates on community boards, loves to travel, spend time with friends and has completed 12 marathons and hopes for one more.
Job Titles:
- Interim Community and Economic Development Manager
Following completion of her graduate studies at the University of Washington, Jenna moved to Lane County in 2016. She worked for the cities of Eugene and Veneta before joining Lane County Community & Economic Development in 2020. Jenna strives to be an enthusiastic and collaborative advocate for the rural communities in Lane County and is focused on sustainable vitality for all areas of the county.
Job Titles:
- Transit District, Chief Development Officer
Joe leads Lane Transit District's planning and development department, including the operation and maintenance of all District facilities. An LTD employee since 1999, Joe has led some of the region's largest public capital projects that improve access, efficiency, and overall passenger service. His leadership in facility asset management ensures the District is a good steward of local, state, and federal infrastructure investments for the long term. Joe actively collaborates with public and private partners to ensure the District and its community members are at the forefront of regional transportation initiatives and discussions. A graduate of the University of Oregon's School of Planning, Public Policy and Management, he is originally from Portland. Joe lives with his family in Eugene.
Job Titles:
- Visitor Services Specialist
Job Titles:
- Gianni 's Trattoria, Owner
John has lived in Eugene since 1982 and has been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years. He is the co-owner of Beppe & Gianni's Trattoria, which opened in 1998. He values finding solutions to challenges by working with people from different points of view and backgrounds.
I grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and secondary physical education, and in 1989 moved to start a life with my Oregon-born husband, Aaron. I taught in Toledo, Oregon and in Eugene before starting a family of fourth-generation river guides. Aaron and I own A. Helfrich Outfitter, a rafting and fishing business based on the McKenzie River.
Job Titles:
- SEPC Senior Director, Conventions
Juanita secures meeting and conference bookings for the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region and manages all local and national meeting markets.
Job Titles:
- Tourism Marketing Manager
Julia supports digital content and public relations strategies to promote Eugene, Cascades & Coast as a visitor destination, including social media management, consumer email marketing and digital content creation.
Job Titles:
- Cascades Raptor Center, Executive Director
I am an Oregon native, born and raised in Milwaukie. In December 2015 my family and I planted roots here in Eugene. My son's love for raptors was a driving force for me to start volunteering at Cascades Raptor Center and I joined as a staff member in February 2017. As my roles have continued to grow, so has my passion for this organization and our community. I have worn many hats, from fundraising and donor relations to operational management and future planning. I am proud to lead one of Eugene's top travel destinations and I will continue cultivating connections for the Raptor Center while always focusing on our mission. When not working at the Center, I enjoy being creative, getting my hands dirty gardening and doing crafting projects. I also enjoy exploring Oregon's beautiful landscapes, especially the forests and coastline, and spending time with my two teenage children.
Our family business, Territorial Seed Company, is dedicated to providing the highest quality seeds with excellent customer service for home gardeners. Every year we do extensive trialing of hundreds of varieties to select the best tasting vegetables and beautiful flowers.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Industry Leader
Kari is a tourism industry leader, adept in strategic destination marketing and organizational management. She has led Travel Lane County since 1996, navigating significant changes in travel trends, technology and community growth. Kari contributes to many local and state committees and currently serves on the board of the U.S. Travel Association. As the leading authority on the Eugene, Cascades & Coast visitor industry, she is the official spokesperson for Travel Lane County.
Job Titles:
- Sports Sales & Marketing Coordinator
Kate supports sales and marketing efforts for the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports Commission.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance & Adminstration
Liz is responsible for the financial and administrative oversight of Travel Lane County. She oversees day-to-day operational systems, human resources and adherence to organizational guidelines and policy.
I am a native Eugenian and have a deep love for the community and surrounding areas. I have been a business owner for many years and enjoy the people, culture and diversity of the area.
Lucy Vinis was elected Mayor of Eugene in 2016 and took office in January 2017. As a resident of Eugene for 28 years, Lucy Vinis has worked on behalf of the community through her professional career and as a dedicated volunteer. Drawn to Eugene's natural beauty, inviting community, and quality schools, she relocated here from Washington, DC with her late husband, Lawrence Vinis to raise her two sons.
I love to travel, spend time in my garden and explore the outdoors. For the past 10 years I have operated (with Gary Carl), the Oakridge Lodge & Guest House. In 2015 we opened the Uptown Bistro on the same property.
Job Titles:
- Director of Tourism Sales
Meg provides support for travel trade, independent international visitors and the film/video industry, including coordinating tours, developing group itineraries, offering resources for international travelers, and hosting media.
Job Titles:
- City of Florence, Assistant City Manager / PIO
I serve as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Florence. I joined the City of Florence team in February 2013 and served in various roles within the administration until I became Assistant City Manager in December 2020. I serve as the City's Public Information Officer and oversee our communications work. I have overseen large capital projects for the City, including the City Hall remodel and the ReVision Florence Streetscape Project for our Urban Renewal Agency in coordination with ODOT. In December of 2020 I also assumed the role as Director of the Florence Events Center. I received my BA from Linfield College and my MPA from Portland State University with a focus on Local Government. I enjoy living in Florence and experiencing all it has to offer with my dog Mabel.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Partner & Community Engagement
Megan manages all Travel Lane County member data, administration and communications, and organizes member events and trainings.
Melanie guides the creative team in the conception, design and execution of all visual materials, creates original copy, photography and video to support marketing initiatives across departments, and manages the organization's library of creative assets.
Job Titles:
- Thanks for Holding, Owner
I have lived in Lane County nearly my entire life. I started as a radio personality entertaining the local listeners. Became active in the telecommunications industries in the 1980's working with telephone, voice, data, wireless and phone systems. In the late 1990's, I began and developed Thanks For Holding, providing telephone system recordings for businesses locally and around North America. I studied in college in Eugene and Spokane, WA. Married with wife Jeana, son Ryan and daughter Alayna.
Job Titles:
- City of Springfield, City Councilor - Ward 1
Michelle Webber was elected to the Springfield City Council in 2022. Michelle was born in Cottage Grove, and lived in Lane County until her family moved to the Newport area where she finished school and began her working career. In 1996, she moved back to Lane County to raise her, now adult, children. She enjoyed a 30-year career in commercial banking which is also where she met her husband, Bruce. They moved to Springfield in 2010 and are proud to call Springfield home. Michelle is a strong believer in giving back to the community she lives in. She has served in many volunteer roles including as a Springfield School Board member, Springfield Education Foundation Chair, LTD Board member, Springfield Public Library Board Treasurer, and as a Springfield Rotarian.
Job Titles:
- University of Oregon, Senior Associate Athletic Director
Mike Duncan joined the Oregon administrative staff in October 2008 and is the Senior Associate Athletic Director working directly with facilities, events, and operations. Duncan joined the Ducks after spending seven years as the Vice President of Arena Programming for ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. Duncan led the efforts of Maloof Sports and Entertainment to grow business through securing and developing events and increasing event attendance. Duncan is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and public relations.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President of Destination Marketing
Natalie oversees comprehensive destination marketing and sales for the leisure, convention and sports markets. Natalie's decades of service in the visitor industry, combined with her extensive community outreach and connections, make her a key leader in countywide tourism promotions.
Job Titles:
- Assistant City Manager for the City of Springfield
- City of Springfield, Assistant City Manager
Niel Laudati is the Assistant City Manager for the City of Springfield, Oregon where he provides administrative guidance and oversight to the Development and Public Works Department along with programs in the City Manager's Office, including: the City's legislative, public affairs and economic development programs. He has been engaged in community and government relations for more than 25 years, including 18 years at the City of Springfield and eight years at a water utility in Southern Nevada. He also is responsible for the City Manager's Public Art Program. Niel was raised in Las Vegas and is a graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor's in Communications and a Master's in Urban Leadership. He is happily married and has two kids, one attending Lane Community College and one at Thurston High School.
Job Titles:
- Partner, EMGE & Whyte, CPA ( Treasurer )
I am currently the Director of Operations for InnCline Management. InnCline manages 3-hotels in Lane County, along with additional businesses in Oregon and Montana. I began my hospitality career while attending the University of Oregon. Soon after graduation I started with InnCline and have held various positions in Sales, Marketing and Operations for the company. My husband and I are both native Oregonian's and love raising our two daughters in this beautiful County and State.
I have been a CPA and a partner in the accounting firm of Emge & Whyte since 1988. I grew up in Kettering, Ohio and moved to Eugene in 1975 as an exchange student from the University of South Florida and graduated from the University of Oregon in 1977 with a bachelor degree in business administration. I earned my tax preparer, tax consultant and enrolled agent licenses over the next few years then went back to the University of Oregon in the MBA program to get the courses required to sit for the CPA exam. I have been with my life-partner Ron Saylor for over 40 years and we enjoy traveling, sailing and our life in Eugene.
I am president of Dari-Mart Stores, a family business featuring our own milk and ice cream products, produced and manufactured here in Lane County. A graduate of Oregon State University/Southern Oregon College, I majored in home economics.
Job Titles:
- Director, Conventions & Sports Marketing
Philis develops and implements the marketing program to position the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region as a convention and sports destination.
I am a Lane County native and graduate of the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon. I hold an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. ln 2001, I became the President of Sycan B Corp., a Springfield-based real estate development company with a concentration in hotel development. I co-founded Merete' Hotel Management lnc. in 1993, and became its president. I am active in our community and in the lodging industry, currently serving on the Oregon Tourism Commission and the board of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.
I am a Vietnam veteran who is 80 percent disabled (hard to believe). After ten plus years in the army, in 1984 I went back to school and got a degree in anthropology, then art. I am a full-time artist now.
Job Titles:
- President, Hoagland Properties
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations ( Vice Chair
Stephen leads the strategic promotion of the Eugene, Cascades & Coast destination to the leisure market.
I am a county administrator whose last name is pronounced Mo-crow-hi-ski. I joined Lane County in May 2014 and have served in county government leadership in Oregon, Nevada and Wisconsin for over 22 years. I'm also the president of the National Association of County Administrators. I lead with a focus on practical financial management, meaningful public engagement and fostering cultures of innovation and leadership in local government. I received a B.A. from Marquette University and a M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin and I'm a public policy graduate of the Les Aspen Center for Government in Washington, D.C.
Job Titles:
- Director of Content Strategy
Taj manages the Eugene, Cascades & Coast website, including content development and implementation. She specializes in search engine optimization, user experience and analytics, as well as writing and editing copy and maintaining the style guide.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Conventions
Tara secures meeting and conference bookings for the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region and manages all local and national meeting markets.
Job Titles:
- Membership Representative
I grew up in Southern Oregon and have found my passion and career in the hospitality industry for the last 30 years. I have managed and owned restaurants throughout Oregon. I currently serve as a Membership Representative for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association and own a small craft distillery in Grants Pass.
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years since I came to America. I emigrated from India in the early '90s and very soon after found myself in hotels from an early age. I fell in love with hospitality immediately and here I am today still enjoying my passion. I earned my associate degree at Lewis and Clark College and am an active member in the Eugene and Springfield Community by participating in the ORLA Board and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Job Titles:
- University of Oregon, Associate Director of University Housing and Director of Dining Services
I work at the University of Oregon as the associate director of university housing and director of dining services. I lead the operations of dining services for residential dining, EMU retail dining, UO catering, and UO conference services. Prior to joining the UO, I spent 20 years in the restaurant industry in California, Washington and Oregon, and bring restaurant and hospitality expertise to University of Oregon campus dining through a high-level cuisine and service approach. I am a California native and graduate of San Francisco State University; my family and I made Oregon home upon arriving at the UO in 2000.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I started working in tourism as a raft and kayak guide. I have guided in South America, South Africa throughout the USA and Alaska. I am the owner/ operator of the Westfir Lodge and Cascades Outdoor Center offering overnight accommodations and guided trips in Willamette National Forest.
Job Titles:
- Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO
I am a native Oregonian, a small-town girl, and an adventurer at heart. I've traveled to sixteen countries in Europe and Asia, and once cycled around the northernmost island of Hokkaido, Japan. I spent the first sixteen years of my career in Japan working as a World's Fair promoter and subsequently as a programming executive for Cartoon Network Japan. I discovered the appeal of industry association management in 2006 when I joined AACSB International in Tampa, Florida. This work inspired me to pursue community development through chambers of commerce, and since 2009 I've led two chambers in two states, first in the Tampa, Florida region and now for Springfield. I'm a founding member of the Springfield Indoor Track Committee, serve on the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Government Affairs Council, and am a member of the National Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Western Association of Chamber Executives.