Nicole Bradin

Position: Executive Office Manager
Date Started with SCTB: May 21, 2010

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Assists President/CEO with administrative tasks such as travel, meeting scheduling, and client events
• Manage all office functions involved with running an effective and efficient office operation such as but not limited to: phones, IT, janitorial, signage, copier, and business cards.
• Work with all departments on any projection/forecasting issues, such as goals and incentives, projects not budgeted, etc.
• Work with other departments to develop schedules and reports necessary for carrying out effective programs of work.
• Prepare/publish monthly/quarterly and fiscal year end reports (non-financial).

Professional history:

• Assistant to the President/Business Development - Reach Global Music Publishing, New York, New York
• Business Development Officer -Yale Capital, New York, New York
• Project Manager/Business Development Manager - Seriatim, New York, New York
• Graduate of Rutgers University (M.F.A. Theatre Arts)
• Graduate of Sonoma State University (B.A. Liberal Arts/Theatre Arts)

Places I have traveled:

Much of the United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, France, Dominican Republic, Mexico, US Virgin Islands, Holland

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

Sonoma County is so wonderfully diverse...the coast between Bodega and Jenner, the Sonoma foothills, Hwy 12 between Sonoma and Rincon Valley, River Road from 101 to Goat Rock, Armstrong Woods, Downtown Petaluma. "Favorite places" in Sonoma County are endless.

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 County:

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

Mark Crabb, CMP, 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 County:

The shear diversity of Sonoma County let's you be in the mountains looking over rolling vineyards in the morning, dangling your feet in the Russian River while redwoods shade the afternoon sun and than being blown away by a brilliant sunset over the rugged Pacific coast in the evening. Enjoying that diversity is the best part of Sonoma Country.

Suzen Dyslin

Position: Accountant
Date Started with SCTB: September 8, 2008

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Manage daily accounting activities; Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, etc.
• Support Director of Finance with financial tasks as required.

Professional history:

• Sole Proprietor / Employer – Accounting, Bookkeeping & Payroll service. Sold business in 2005
• Accounting Manager / Controller for large Sonoma County Construction Company
• Staff Accountant for local CPA firm
• Graduate of Humboldt State University (B.A. Psychology & Communications)
• Sonoma State University – Upper division accounting courses & Taxation

Places I have traveled:

I have lived in California (Marin & Sonoma County) most of my life. However, after graduating from college, I lived and worked in the French West Indies on the island of Saint Martin for almost 3 years. I grew up sailing the San Francisco bay and beyond and have since sailed the Grenadines, British Virgin and the San Juan Islands as well as the Sea of Cortez. I have traveled most of the United States and have yet to find any place as amazing and beautiful as Sonoma County.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

I have so many favorite places in Sonoma County that it would be too difficult to find just one. My favorite thing to do is to go exploring; be it on foot, horseback, bicycle, motorcycle, or Jeep. I have spent countless hours exploring the back roads and trails of this amazing and beautiful Sonoma Country.

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, Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce

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 County:

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

Paula Higgins, CMP

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

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Geographic territory: Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
• 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 incentive program planners with requests for proposals, lodging, site tours, and itineraries.
• Coordinate and represent Sonoma Country at various corporate, incentive, and association tradeshows, monthly meetings, and special events.
• Produce and direct special events and site 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 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:

I belong to various chapters of these organizations:

Meeting Professionals International, Society Government Meeting Professionals, Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International, California Society of Association Executives, American Society of Association Executives, and SITE.

Fundraising Director for the Society Government Meeting Professionals, SF Bay Area Chapter.

UNLV Alumni Association member of William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration

Board of Directors, 2009-2011, Society Government Meeting Professionals San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

Places I have traveled:

Every state in Continental United States and Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Western Mediterranean. Australia/New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Bali are on my wish list.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

I love to walk my Cocker Spaniel Cody at various parks and beaches in Sonoma County. Wine tasting at the various AVA’s throughout Sonoma County.

Ariane Hiltebrand

Position: Interactive Media Manager
Date Started with SCTB: January 9, 2012

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Oversee the interactive and online marketing initiatives of the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau.
• Develop and implement digital marketing strategy to drive overnight visitation from SCTB's three core market segments: individual travel, meetings and groups and tour and travel.
• Manage Sonoma County Tourism Bureau's online presence, including websites, social media channels and mobile applications. Coordinate technology providers and application development.
• Implement online advertising and search marketing strategy.

Professional history:

• Marketing Manager at Suntrek Tours Inc.
• Direct Marketing Manager at Intrepid Suntrek (part of Intrepid Travel, now Peak Adventure Travel Group)

Places I have traveled:

Born and raised in Germany, I have studied at universities/colleges in Muenster, Paris and London. I have traveled to most countries in Western Europe, Australia, Peru, Mexico and Canada. Within the U.S., I have visited Alaska, Hawaii, all of the western states, as well as Florida, Tennessee, Missouri, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. I have had the chance to explore many North American national parks on guided adventure trips while working for an internationally renowned adventure tour operator: Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Joshua Tree, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley Tribal Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Everglades, Kenai Fjords as well as Banff, Jasper and Yoho in Canada.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

I very much enjoy the diversity of Sonoma County. On weekends you can find me and my family jogging around Spring Lake, relaxing at Doran Beach or swimming in the Russian River. I like exploring Sonoma County's fantastic wineries, especially in the Sonoma Valley area. You can also spot me shopping at the Petaluma Premium Outlets or strolling around Petaluma and Sonoma's historic downtowns with all those quaint boutiques, galleries and cafes. In the evenings I like trying out trendy restaurants to eat a delicious dinner with fresh California produce and seafood or international delicacies. Coming from Europe I also appreciate Sonoma County's Gourmet-European restaurants for a taste of French, Italian or German cuisine.

Kila Janusevskis

Position: Sales Support Assistant
Date Started with SCTB: June 6, 2011

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Support services for Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Sonoma County Vintners, and the Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission
• Provide fundamental day-to-day office operations – reception, phones, assistance with meetings, copies, faxes, shipping, orders and scheduling
• Meet and greet incoming clients, partners and visitors
• Manage incoming calls and provide information with regards to Sonoma County events, activities and local geography
• Handle telephone requests for Sonoma County visitors guides, maps, calendar of events and other collateral material

Professional history:

• Office Coordinator for Direct Flow Medical
• Owner / Office Manager of Webbeautystore.com
• Owner / Accounts Manager of Oilstop, Inc.
• Executive Secretary for International Computer Consultants, Inc.
• Executive Secretary for Ring Land Development

Places I have traveled:

While living in Washington State I traveled to Oregon, Idaho, and Montana camping in beautiful parks. I have enjoyed my travels within California to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles and Long Beach. Hiked the trails of the amazing Yosemite National Park, Played the slots in Nevada, Vacationed at the Islands of Hawaii and walked the sandy beaches of Mexico.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

The wonderful thing about Sonoma County is that you can discover something new every time you venture out.  My favorite place that I have discovered in Sonoma County would have to be picnicking and horseback riding while enjoying the serene and majestic beauty of the Armstrong Redwoods.

Bill Judson

Position: Chief Financial Officer
Date Started with SCTB: March 21, 2011

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Maintain effective financial management of the organization.
• Review, develop and monitor systems of internal controls.
• Oversees purchase decisions, obtaining multiple bids on major expense items when appropriate.
• Oversee payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and the general ledger.
• Prepare financial reports for both internal and external purposes.
• Oversee financial forecasting and budgeting.
• Oversee financial analysis and various revenue and expense studies.
• Oversee HR and IT service delivery for the organization.

Professional history:

• B.S., Business Administration, Accounting Concentration, San Jose State University
• Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive)
• E.F. Hutton Life Insurance Company - Accountant
• DBSI Discovery Services, Inc. - Investor Accounting Manager
• Crew Concepts, Inc. - Controller
• Blue Shield of California - Director of Finance
• Neighborhood Housing Services - Chief Financial Officer

Places I have traveled:

Most of the continental United States, Hawaii, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

Choosing a favorite place in Sonoma County is like choosing your favorite song. There are far too many great choices. The best I can do is to pick the one that best fits my mood at the moment. It might be sampling world class wines while chatting with the wine maker in a quaint winery, digging my toes into the sand staring out to sea while being filled with the ocean's aromas sweeping in on a gentle breeze, hiking through the awe inspiring towering redwoods, cycling down a quiet back road enjoying the breathtaking mixture of vineyards and forest or enjoying basking in the sun while paddling down the Russian River. And my list goes on and on...

Tina Luster

Position: Communications Manager
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 County:

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-Cant, CMP

Position: National Sales Manager
Date Started with SCTB: December 1, 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Geographic territory-South Western US with emphasis on Southern CA, Nevada and Arizona.
• Represent Sonoma County's lodging, attractions, and gorgeous landscape to 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 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 markets.

Professional Organizations:

Meeting Professionals International Southern CA Chapter, Associate Member MPI Orange County & Arizona Sunbelt 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, and much of the US.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

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: Meeting Sales & Services Manager
Date Started with SCTB: August 16, 2007

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 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 County:

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

Barb Quigley, CMP

Position: Midwest Sales Representative
Date Started with SCTB: December 1, 2007

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Solicits and develops Group Leads in the Midwest Region

Professional history:

• Pasadena CVB - Contracted Employee
• LA Inc. - Director, Midwest Accounts
• San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau - Director of Midwest Sales
• City Reps Inc. - Director of Sales
• Doubletree Hotels Corporation/Red Lion Hotels - Director of national Accounts

Professional Organizations:

• Meeting Professionals International - Chicago Area Chapter: Board Director 2007/2008 and has served in numerous Committee Chair positions
• Professional Convention Management Association: Member – Served as Committee Member
• National Association or Realtors: Member

Places I have traveled:

Paris, Rome, Florence, Venice, Verona, St. Thomas, Cancun, Quebec, Vancouver and all over the U.S.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

Sonoma County is my favorite place; an exact location will depend on my motivation for the day.

Sandra Shuster

Position: Information Specialist
Date Started with SCTB: Dec 5, 2011

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Support services for Sonoma County Tourism Bureau, Sonoma County Vintners, and the Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission
• Providing fundamental day-to-day office operations
• Customer service provided to tourist and county organizations

Professional history:

• Receptionist and Office Assistant for Nelson Staffing Assignments
• On-Line Reservationist for Mexican Resorts-Playa Del Sol Vacations
• Reservationist and Concierge for Hawaii and Mexico tour operator - Creative Leisure International

Places I have traveled:

While working in the travel industry for many years, I have had the opportunity to travel to the beaches of Mexico, the Islands of Hawaii, cruise the Caribbean, drink champagne in Paris, walk the beach in St. Topaz, walk the halls at Heidelberg Castle and shop in Frankfurt, Germany.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

I greatly appreciate the diversity of things to do in Sonoma County. I love to find a new restaurant or one I haven't been to in awhile. Shopping in one of Sonoma Counties unique little towns. I have rented a home in Bodega Bay and have done it up royally, treating myself to a hotel with spa treatments with girlfriends.

Beth Snow

Position: Marketing Manager
Date Started with SCTB: July 21, 2008

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Supports PR, Marketing and Communications Director and Manger in implementing SCTB community and sales marketing efforts
• Maintain visitor information for Website, Visitor's Guide and other print collateral
• Supports Chief Business Architect in developing marketing promotional plans and sales for local events, festivals and activities

Professional history:

• Sonoma County Farm Trails - chairman of the marketing committee; Special Projects Manager, Webmaster and Marketing Consultant
• John Ash, world-renowned chef, cookbook author and educator - Special Projects Manager, Webmaster and Marketing Consultant
• Apple Creek Design Studios - co-founder of full service web design company specializing in the food and wine industry within Sonoma County.
• Member of Sonoma County Culinary Guild
• Board member of Sonoma County Farm Trails (2006-2008)

Places I have traveled:

I'm a Colorado mountain girl (at heart), who ventured further west. Since I've been in Sonoma County, I have been to Hawaii several times, and many places throughout California. I've yet to travel abroad; within the U.S. I have visited all the western states as well as the great cities of New York, Chicago and New Orleans (I'm determined to return for Jazz Fest!). Most memorable places travelled to include Yellowstone, Yosemite and Grand Canyon National Parks.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

Depends on my mood! I love visiting each town with it's own distinct personality and flavor. Getting a great cup of coffee and bite to eat tops the list. Walking in Armstrong Woods. Sunset picnic at Goat Rock beach. Drive through Dry Creek Valley in the fall. Or just staying at home and watching the moon rise over the Redwoods while sipping a glass of wine.

Maureen Tunheim

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

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Process written communications generated by President/CEO and SCTB Board/Committees, including agendas, minutes, reports and correspondence. Draft communications as necessary
• Setup new board members orientation, ethics training for board members and Form 700 collection from all board members.
• Work effectively with SCTB staff, volunteers, Bureau members, committees, city and county officials, hoteliers and hospitality industry staff
• Assists President/CEO with administrative tasks as required 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 County:

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

Jill Vanden Heuvel

Position: Communications and Advertising Architect
Date Started with SCTB: August 2005

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Plan, negotiate, place and traffic annual media schedule
• Manage annual advertising campaigns
• Create in-house collateral materials
• Manage creation of additional collateral created by marketing agency
• Assist sales department with various sales and client events

Professional history:

• Executive Director, Battle Creek/Calhoun County Visitor and Convention Bureau – 1999-2005
• Director of Tourism – Long Island CVB - 1997-1999
• National Tourism Manager – Horizon Group – 1994-1996

Professional Organizations:

• MPI/Sacramento Sierra Nevada Chapter; annual event committee
• California Society Association Executives

Places I have traveled:

Continental US, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico: Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and Taxco.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

TOO many wine country restaurants to be good for the diet plan! I also love driving through the vineyards and rolling hills.

Birgitt Vaughan

Position: Public Relations Manager
Date Started with SCTB: August 2011

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Promote Sonoma County as a destination to travel media
• Deskside visits to target media markets to promote Sonoma County as a destination
• Assist incoming media with itineraries and story ideas
• Track and analyze media stories about Sonoma County

Professional history:

• California Travel and Tourism Commission Contractor
• Kleber PR Network (Germany)
• DerTour (Germany)
• Aeroworld Fernreisen (Germany)

Professional Organizations:

• Public Relations Society of America

Places I have traveled:

Coming from Germany, it is kind of a natural to start travelling around Europe. Beside of lots of places in Europe, I have been to Nepal, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa, South America, North America and many Caribbean Islands. I feel lucky to have travelled to places in five continents, but there are still so many more places I would like to see.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

That depends on the season and day! One day it is hiking and hanging out in Annadel State Park or in the Armstrong Woods. The other it is running along the beach and letting a kite rise high above me, especially in November. Eating Dungeness crab or clam chowder, while sipping a glass of one of Sonoma County’s wonderful wines and watching the waves. Enjoying the many hidden-gem restaurants and thinking how lucky I am.

Jamie Ward, CMP

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 County:

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.

Tim Zahner

Position: Director of Public Relations and Marketing
Date Started with SCTB: December 2006

SCTB activities/responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications: advertising, CRM, online marketing strategies, collateral and messaging of organization.
• Public Relations: direct strategy for organizational message in mass media, online and in response to needs.
• Community Relations: detail the work of SCTB and the billion-dollar hospitality industry in California's wine country. Speak to industry groups and local business organizations.
• Management: Lead team of professional marketers, communicators and vendors to increase market share for California's wine country. Work with sales team to promote meetings and group tour business.

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:

American Marketing Association, Public Relations Society of America

Places I have traveled:

Many of these fine 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. Have also been to Ukiah.

My favorite place in Sonoma County:

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