The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) is pleased to announce the promotion of Kristen Paul to executive vice president and the recent hiring of Carissa Lutzow as destination development events coordinator and Amanda August as receptionist/administrative assistant. These full-time employees will work to collectively market and enhance the Rockford region as a great place to visit and live.
In Kristen Paul’s new role, she will oversee the marketing and destination development teams while also providing strategic guidance to RACVB staff and working as a strategic advisor and collaborator with the RACVB’s charitable foundation board of directors to grow fund development efforts. She will serve as a spokesperson on RACVB and industry efforts and work to maintain and build community and stakeholder relationships. Further, this adjustment to RACVB’s organizational structure is timely as it positions the team to respond and act on the recommendations that will come out of the under-development destination master plan.
Kristen has worked for RACVB since 2016 when she started as an Executive Assistant. She moved to the Destination Development department as Operations Manager in 2018 where she has worked on planning Stroll on State and CRE8IV: transformational art and overseeing Forest City Beautiful. She was promoted to director of the department in January of 2020.
Paul received her bachelor’s degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and has 10 years of career experience working in Chicago area hotels, most recently the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.
“During Kristen’s time with RACVB, she has proven herself to be an exceptional leader, collaborator and team member. I know she will excel as she takes on this new position and I look forward to working with her while she continues to do exceptional work as a change maker and advocate for the Rockford region as both a great place to visit and live,” said John Groh, RACVB president/CEO.
Carissa Lutzow was recently hired as RACVB’s destination development events coordinator. She will provide creative, organizational and logistical support for signature events and initiatives including Stroll on State, Forest City Beautiful, CRE8IV: transformational art and more.
Prior to joining the RACVB team, Lutzow graduated from Rock Valley College and was hired by an international logistics company and traveled across the country providing support for doctors and patients at events for the past five years.
“Carissa has a pivotal responsibility in helping to plan, organize and execute various events of all sizes. From large-scale experiences to smaller initiatives everything that she and the team will work on is a great opportunity to provide our residents with even more reasons to love where they live and visitors a chance to see why the Rockford region is a great destination,” said Groh.
As receptionist and administrative assistant, Amanda August will serve as the welcoming face at the RACVB office while providing vital support in administrative tasks and ongoing projects.
August studied at North Central College and received her bachelor’s in music with a minor in history. She worked at Angelic Organics for three years and is also a music composer. Her music is featured in national campaign spots with Boeing, Feeding America and Hallmark to name a few.
“Every role within our organization plays a crucial part in assisting our residents and shaping the visitor experience and Amanda’s role is no exception. She is a frontline ambassador, welcoming guests with her expertise, and her support in administrative functions is imperative to our operations,” continues Groh. “For many guests she will be their first interaction and the introduction to their own perceptions of our region, and we know with her skill set and personality she will do an outstanding job.”
To learn more about the RACVB team, board members, organizational priorities and things to do in and around the region visit www.gorockford.com.
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