Sonoma County - America's Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination

Christy Colgate

Position: Executive Assistant
Date Started with SCTB: August 20, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Staff Support for Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission
• Completing all front desk responsibilities
• Greeting all incoming clients and partners
• Visitor Guide, Map, Calendar of Events fulfillment to all visitors and hotel properties
• Assist all staff with special events

Professional history:

• Transaction Coordinator, Mortgage One Lending, Redding, CA
• Administrative Assistant, Re/Max Top Properties, Red Bluff, CA
• Escrow Assistant, Chicago Title Company, Red Bluff, CA

Places I have traveled:

Costa Rica, Hawaii, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Oregon, Nevada.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Anywhere along the coastline is just amazing. My other favorite place is riding my horse Blu either in one of our local recreation parks for a long relaxing trail ride when we are not barrel racing.

Chyrl Collins, CMP, CTIS

Position: Tour and Travel Sales Manager
Date Started with SCTB: May 17, 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Geographic territory - national group tours, weddings and social events
• Represent Sonoma County's lodging and attractions to event and tour professionals showcasing the diversity of beautiful Sonoma County as America's premier wine, spa and coastal destination.
• Coordinate and represent Sonoma County at various Tour and Travel tradeshows, meetings and special events.
• Create special events and tours to introduce travel and event planners to Sonoma County's unique attractions, activities, special event venues and lodging.
• Distribute, track, and report lead conversion with emphasis on obtaining new mid-week Frequent Individual Traveler (FIT) and group tour business to enhance and increase Sonoma County's hospitality industry.
• Work effectively with Bureau members, committees, city/county officials and the hospitality industry to promote the Bureau's sales efforts in the group and FIT markets.

Professional history:

• Director of Sales & Marketing, Inn at Oyster Point
• Senior Sales Manger, Hilton Sonoma County
• Director of Sales & Marketing, Sonoma Valley Inn
• Corporate Sales Manager, Flamingo Resort Hotel & Conference Center
• Sales Manager. Los Robles Lodge
• Director of Sales and Marketing, Crown Sterling Suites
• Sales Manager at various San Francisco and South San Francisco hotel properties

Professional Organizations:

Northern CA Chapter, Meeting Professionals International, Sacramento Chapter, Meeting Professionals International, Society of Government Meeting Professionals International, Northern California Society of Association Executives, American Bus Assoc., National Tour Assoc., Travel Industry Assoc. of America

Places I have traveled:

South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Arizona, Minnesota, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Nevada, District of Columbia, Virginia, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and Mexico

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Wine tasting and picnicking at one of the many fabulous wineries or dining coast side at sunset.

Mark Crabb, FCDME

Position: Director of Sales
Date Started with SCTB: April 9, 2008

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Supervises staff within the sales department. Will assist the Sales Managers in setting and reaching measurable goals.
• Ensure that annual marketing plans and budgets are developed, approved, implemented and tracked for performance (accountability, measurability, & results driven).
• Ensures that accurate record keeping processes are in place for booking contracts, sales calls, correspondence, and expense accounts and for other appropriate documentation.
• Maintains a close and active working relationship with General Managers or Directors of Sales at area hotels/motels so as to develop cooperative sales programs. Coordinates regular partner meetings in conjunction with other Bureau departments.
• Works effectively with volunteers, Bureau Board of Director members, committees, city and county officials, hoteliers and hospitality industry staff in selling Sonoma County as a premier meeting and leisure travel destination.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the President/CEO.

Professional history:

• Deputy Director Sales, Marketing & Communications
  Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau
  Fort Myers, Florida 2002 - 2007
• Executive Director
  Muncie/Delaware County Convention and Visitors Bureau
  Muncie, Indiana 2000 - 2002
• Executive Director
  Rising Sun/Ohio County Convention and Tourism Bureau
  Rising Sun, Indiana 1998 - 2000
• Bachelor of Arts, Visual Communications 1982
  Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Fellow, Certified Destination Management Executive (FCDME), 2004
  (One of 25 internationally)

Professional Organizations:

• Conference and Convention Council Advisory Board
• Destination Marketing Association International, Education Committee
• Florida Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Education Committee
• FGCU Professional Golf Management School Board Member
• FGCU Resort & Hospitality Management Wanderlust Committee
• Florida Society of Account Executives
• National Tour Association
• Visit Florida, Sales Committee
• In Indiana: Tour Indiana Motorcoach Council President, Association of Indiana
• CVB, President-Elect and Treasurer

Places I have traveled:

The majority of the US, Canada, London, Germany, Puerto Rico, St. Marten, St. Thomas and would like to take a mission trip to Africa with my family.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

This is my first time in Northern California and we are looking forward to exploring all its wonderful treasures, so I will have to get back with you once we make that difficult determination.

Jim Davidson

Position: Director of Finance
Date Started with SCTB: April 16, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Development and implementation of goals, policies, and procedures relating to financial management, budget, accounting, and payroll.
• Manages and participates in the preparation of various financial statements and reports.
• Directs the installation and maintenance of accounting records to show receipts and expenditures.
• Directs the maintenance of general and subsidiary ledgers, accounts receivable, revenue distribution, depreciation, cost, property, and operating expenses, and insurance records.
• Directs and participates in cost analysis and rate studies.
• Prepares statements and reports of estimated future costs and revenues.
• Directs internal audits involving review of accounting and administrative controls.
• Oversees purchase decisions, obtaining multiple bids on major expense items when appropriate.
• Coordinates preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
• Prepares and reviews financial statements with management personnel and Board of Directors.
• Directs the installation and maintenance of new accounting, timekeeping, payroll, inventory, property, and other related procedures and controls.
• Provides general HR support to President/CEO and Administrative Manager (i.e. record keeping, on-boarding, orientation, performance and compensation policies, benefits administration, assistance with employment law compliance, etc.)
• Responsible for IT and Facilities Management and associated asset management.
• Responsible for setting and reaching measurable goals.
• Creates and maintains a crisis management plan.
• Maintains a close and active working relationship with President/CEO and Board of Directors.
• Assumes management responsibilities for others during their travel absences.

Professional history:

• Over 20 years experience as a winery and non-profit healthcare center CFO
• Member, California CFO Taskforce
• Western States CFO Conference Member
• Past Treasurer and Board Member for the Santa Rosa Cycling Club
• US Navy and California Air National Guard, 561^st Air Force Band 1^st Sergeant
• Air Force Sergeants Association (Retired), American Legion, VFW
• B.A., Business Management, Accounting Major, Sonoma State University

Places I have traveled:

Most of the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Norway, Sweden, Spain, England, Portugal, Azores, and Canada.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Looking out over the Pacific Ocean anywhere along the spectacular Highway 1 drive from Bodega Bay in Southern Sonoma County all the way up to Sea Ranch in Northern Sonoma County.

Ken Fischang, CHME, CMP

Position: President and Chief Executive Officer
Date Started with SCTB: July 25, 2005

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Provide the leadership to promote Sonoma Country as America's premier wine, spa and coastal destination and increase demand for full and limited service hotels, bed and breakfasts/inns, vacation home rentals and campground accommodations

Professional history:

• Kalamazoo County (MI) Convention and Visitors Bureau/ Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce 2002-2005
• Pasadena (CA) Convention and Visitors Bureau 2000- 2003
• Palm Springs (CA) Convention Center 1987-1999
• Hyatt Regency Hotels in San Francisco (CA), Long Beach (CA), Lincolnwood, (IL) and Chicago, (IL) 1978-1987

Professional Organizations:

Professional Convention Management Association, Meeting Professionals International, American Society of Association Executives, Religious Convention Management Association, Association Forum of Chicagoland, Destination Marketing Association International, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International

Places I have traveled:

All 50 US states, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Russia, China and Pacific Asian countries, Australia, New Zealand

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

At a wine and food pairing dinner with a winemaker that was preceded by a spa experience that also uses locally grown products.

Jamie Graham

Position: National Sales Manager
Date Started with SCTB: August 7, 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Geographic territory – Group Market for Texas and the East Coast
• Represent Sonoma County’s lodging and attractions to group meeting planners and incentive planners showcasing the diversity of beautiful Sonoma County as America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination.
• Coordinate and represent Sonoma County at various incentive and corporate tradeshows, meetings and special events.
• Distribute, track, and report lead conversion with emphasis on obtaining new mid-week, off-season group business to enhance and increase Sonoma County’s hospitality industry.
• Work effectively with Bureau members, committees, city/county officials and the hospitality industry to promote the Bureau’s sales efforts in the many diverse group markets in Texas and the East Coast.

Professional history:

• Sales Manager, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
• Sales Manager, Hotel Crescent Court & The Mansion on Turtle Creek
• Sales Manager, Westin City Center Dallas
• Executive Meetings Manager, Fairmont Dallas

Professional Organizations:

DFW Chapter, Meeting Professionals International, Texas Society of Association Executives

Places I have traveled:

Most of the United States, The Caribbean and Mexico, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, France, Spain, Prague, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, and British Columbia

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Too Many! However my favorite day in Sonoma would be a day of wine tasting at several of the gorgeous wineries followed by a massage at one the local spas, and then an elegant dinner at one of our fantastic restaurants.

Keri Hanson

Position: Public Relations and Marketing Manager
Date Started with SCTB: April 5, 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Supports Director of PR, Marketing, and Communications in developing proactive public relations and marketing strategies including the publication of bi-monthly electronic newsletter & quarterly published newsletter about SCTB community and sales marketing efforts.
• Maintains date specific calendar of events on website and publishes the calendar quarterly.
• Supports the sales efforts with the coordination of industry trade shows to include exhibitor materials, promotional items/mailings and special functions relating to the event.
• Provides graphic design support for advertising and publications while maintaining up to date promotional file on all Bureau advertisements, publications, etc.
• Coordinates direct mail and marketing programs as directed by Director of PR, Marketing, and Communications.
• Develops proactive public relations and marketing strategies to increase over night accommodation stays in Sonoma County.

Professional history:

• Marketing Assistant with Premier Bank, Dubuque, IA
• Public Relations Assistant with VISIT Milwaukee (formerly Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau)
• Graduate of Marquette University (B.A. Public Relations)

Places I have traveled:

South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Spain, Canada, Jamaica, Mexico

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Driving along the rolling hills of vineyards and blue skies.

Craig Charles Haskell

Position: Information Specialist
Date Started with SCTB: December 3, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Daily & Weekly Fulfillment Requests
• Documentation of Bureau Advertisements
• Switchboard Operation
• Sonoma County Vintner projects as assigned
• Sonoma County Wine Commission projects as assigned
• Daily guest greeting
• Office Supply Consultant

Professional history:

• 12.5 years State Farm Personal Lines Underwriting
• 3.5 years Macy's Men's Department, Staff Assistant

Places I have traveled:

Vacationed in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta Mexico as well as Vancouver, Canada.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Has to be at Bodega Head. In seeing where the sea reaches the land, on a sunny afternoon, truly breath taking.

Marta Hayden

Position: Chief Business Architect
Date Started with SCTB: February 29, 2008

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Create partnership and strategic alliances and opportunities for SCTB and local businesses.
• Identify new partners and strategic alliances by providing valued benefits and program for their investments.
• Develop partnerships and strategic alliances that increase overnight stays in Sonoma Country and build brand awareness within key geographic markets.
• Increase marketing, advertising and public relations efforts through enhancement of local events and activities.
• Though the Partnership Committee develops strategies for identifying and contacting a targeted list of partners.
• Develop advertising and marketing promotional plans for events and festivals that assist in penetrating new and existing markets

Professional history:

• Attended College on Board the S.S. Ryndam on "World Campus Afloat"; sailing to the major ports of the World
• Attended Alliance Françoise in Paris, France to study French
• Graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Business Administration degree in Travel Industry Management
• Worked at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey California
• Worked for Bostrom Corporation, one of the leading Association Management Companies
• The first woman International President for Meeting Professionals International
• Active in American Society of Association Executives and the highest membership recruiter to date
• Served as the Associate Member on the board of American Society of Association Executives
• Served on the International Board of SITE, Society of Incentive Travel and Executives

Places I have traveled:

I have been around the world on board the S.S. Ryndam as a student. Visited China when it first opened to the west. Visited Russia, Egypt, Greece, and Turkey, most of Europe, India, and Asia and still traveling with more countries I want to visit.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

There are so many. Wine tasting at some of our over 250 wineries. Attending events such as Barrel Tasting, the Santa Rosa Symphony, Artisan Cheese Festival, Amgen Tour of California, Charles Schwab Championship Cup Golf Tournament, Artwalk and Artist Studio Tours, Hot Air Balloon Classic, Heirloom Tomato Festival and the Sonoma Wine Country Harvest Weekend. Visiting the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. Going to Bodega Bay and the coast and having fresh seafood and watching the surf. Going to the redwoods and taking an afternoon walk. Having a picnic with friends at one of the wineries or along the Russian River and watching people in their canoes and kayaks. Going to one of the many farmers markets or specialty farms and getting fresh produce and products. Going out to a restaurant and having some wine country cuisine. Another favorite pastime is shopping for that special outfit, chocolates, home decorating things or just gifts for friends. Or treating myself to a spa and just relaxing.

Paula Higgins

Position: Associate Director of Sales
Date Started with SCTB: June 13, 2005

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Geographic territory-Western United States
• Represent Sonoma County's lodging, attractions, and gorgeous landscape to event, tour, and meeting professionals as an attractive group and individual travel destination with numerous activities such as golf, spa, wine and culinary programs, kayaking, hot air ballooning, biking, and hiking.
• Assist group and individual program planners with requests for proposals, lodging, site tours, and itineraries.
• Coordinate and represent Sonoma Country at various corporate, incentive, association, and group tour tradeshows, monthly meetings, and special events.
• Produce and coordinate special events and tours to introduce event and meeting professionals to Sonoma County's lodging, special event venues, attractions, and activities.
• Distribute, track, and report lead conversion with emphasis on obtaining new mid-week group business to support and grow Sonoma County's hospitality community.
• Work effectively with Bureau departments, Sonoma County's hospitality and city/county officials to enhance the Bureau's outreach in group and FIT markets.

Professional history:

• Director of Sales, Sonoma Wine Country Meetings 2002-2005
• Senior Sales Manager, Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 2000-2002
• Sales/Marketing Manager, various San Mateo hotel properties 1997-2000
• Exec. Kitchen Manager and trainer, Chevy's Mexican Restaurants 1990-1995
• Bachelors of Science, Hotel Administration University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Associate of Science, Hotel and Restaurant Management City College of San Francisco

Professional Organizations:

Northern CA Chapter, Meeting Professionals International - Sponsorship Committee Chairperson 2006, Sacramento Chapter Meeting Professionals Intl., Society Government Meeting Professionals, Hospitality Sales Marketing Assoc. Intl., Intl. Special Events Society

Places I have traveled:

Every state in Continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico. Italy, Australia, and Bali are on my wish list.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

I love to walk my Cocker Spaniel Nicky at Goat Rock Beach, close to where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.

Tina Luster

Position: Public Relations Coordinator
Date Started with SCTB: December 10, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Media Relations - Working with journalists who are visiting Sonoma County; assisting journalists with fact-checking for stories, photos, story ideas, quotes for stories.
• Pitch stories to journalists
• Work with California Travel and Tourism Commission to pitch story ideas to national and international journalists.
• Write business-oriented press releases about the work SCTB is doing.
• Write travel-oriented press releases to entice visitors to discover Sonoma Country.

Professional history:

• Graphics designer, Napa Valley Register
• Communications coordinator, State Farm Insurance Companies
• Newspaper editor for arts and entertainment publication, Laughlin, Nev.

Places I have traveled:

"From sea to shining sea." A lot of traveling around the country, especially the Southwest, Southeast and West, but have explored the mid-Atlantic region, New England (a baseball game and the venerable Fenway Park in Boston!), and the Midwest (another baseball game at Chicago's Wrigley Field - Go Cubs!); and Hawaii - the most relaxing vacation ever.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

My very favorite is the view of the Mayacamas Mountains from my back deck in Sonoma Valley - best enjoyed while sipping some Sonoma County Zinfandel or Pinot Noir.My second favorite is watching the wild surf hit the cliffs below the overlook at Bodega Head. After hiking or whale watching (when in season), it's nice to climb back into the car, roll the windows down a bit, lean the seat back and let the sound of the crashing waves lull you to sleep for a quick nap.

Robin McKee-Kant

Position: Meeting Sales & Services Manager
Date Started with SCTB: December 1, 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility of attracting & booking conventions, conferences, trade shows, group meetings, tours and social groups to Sonoma Country.
• Provide premium service to facilitate and accommodate the meeting/event planner, their staff, and program attendees.
• Work with hotel/venue staff to provide event planning services for corporate groups wishing to plan functions and activities outside of their hotel.
• Develop customer relationships through the promotion of attendance, extended stay programs, local venue site tours, referrals and customized services
• Create unique marketing collaborations that increase overnight stays in Sonoma County and increase brand awareness and knowledge of area.
• Produce and coordinate special events and tours to introduce event and meeting professionals to Sonoma Country's lodging, special event venues, attractions and activities.
• Develop MINT database/lead generation

Professional Organizations:

Association of Convention Operations Managers, Destination Marketing Association International, International Special Event Society Napa-Sonoma Chapter

Professional history:

• Event Consultant, Wine Country Party & Events
• Sales Manager, The Lodge at Sonoma, A Renaissance Resort & Spa
• Conference Services Manager, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
• Corporate Event Manager, Autodesk, Ferrari USA

Places I have traveled:

Scotland, London, Italy, France, Turks & Caicos Islands, Mexico, Canada, Michigan, Illinois, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

I love the diverse landscape of the entire county, and I hope to bike each and every back road in the coming year!

Susan Montes

Position: Sales Support Assistant
Date Started with SCTB: August 16, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Support sales team in all sales and services efforts.
• Assist with coordination of special events and tradeshows.
• Ensure that visitors to our area receive the services and resources they need.

Professional history:

• Graduate of Empire College-Tourism, Hospitality, & Wine Industry (2004-2005) with American Hotel & Lodging Association Certificates in Convention Management, Front Office Operation, Supervision, Marketing, Hospitality Sales and Marketing and Tourism & the Hospitality Industry
• Event Coordinator- Empire College fundraiser
• Hotel & Catering - Motherwell College, Scotland

Places I have traveled:

Born and raised in Scotland, I have visited varies parts of United Kingdom. Other countries: France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg & Mexico. USA: Oregon, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, New Hampshire, Maine, Alabama, New Orleans,& Hawaii.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Staying in Sea Ranch & hiking along the coast. Amazing scenery!

Maureen Tunheim

Position: Administrative Manager
Date Started with SCTB: September 14, 2005

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Responsible for coordinating office functions including scheduling, procedures and clerical support.
• Process written communications generated by President/CEO and SCTB Board/Committees, including agendas, minutes, reports and correspondence. Draft communications as necessary
• Assists President/CEO with administrative tasks as required
• Work with other departments to develop schedules and reports necessary for carrying out effective programs of work.
• Backup for employee scheduling, time sheets, payroll, employee human resource information, bill pay and any financial transactions or reports in cooperation with President/CEO and SCTB's accounting firm
• Work effectively with volunteers, Bureau members, committees, city and county officials, hoteliers and hospitality industry staff

Professional history:

• Graduate of Empire College-Tourism, Hospitality, & Wine Industry (2004-2005) with American Hotel & Lodging Association Certificates in Convention Management, Front Office Operation, Supervision, Marketing, Hospitality Sales and Marketing and Tourism & the Hospitality Industry
• Event Coordinator- Empire College Staff luncheon, Empire College fundraiser, Norwegian Club functions, family reunions and parties (ongoing)
• Business Planner, Strategic Buyer, Admin Assistant
• Agilent Technologies/Hewlett Packard (1984-2003)

Places I have traveled:

All states except Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Countries: Canada, Mexico, Belize, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Grenada, St. Thomas, and Ireland

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

The valley in Kenwood has a great view of the hills and vineyards, great hiking, relaxing wineries, and some excellent restaurants.

Tim Zahner

Position: Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Date Started with SCTB:

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Manage media and communications to promote Sonoma County to visitors. This includes travel journalists, web marketing, internal and external communications, wheedling and pleading.
• Devise strategies to brand Sonoma County as America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination.

Professional history:

• San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady: Haiti Mission, Inc.
• Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee
• Institute for Wisconsin’s Future
• Freelance Travel and News Writing

Professional Organizations:

Public Relations Round Table, Public Relations Society of America

Places I have traveled:

Many in the United States, backpacking in SE Asia, dipsomaniacal weekend in Montemartre, honeymoon by bus in Costa Rica, Haiti with nuns and the D.R. with Germans.

My favorite place in Sonoma Country:

Hiking with my family in the hills or along the coast.Also any place that sells chocolate croissants and has strong coffee.