Aurora Area CVB Staff & Bios
Chris Hamilton
Executive Directorchris@enjoyaurora.com
Chris Hamilton, the AACVB’s new executive director, is the result of a nationwide search to fill this very important seat. Hailing from Lebanon, Ky., Hamilton served as the executive director of the Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission since 2005 winning awards and accolades along the way. Among them, the LTCC won three Traverse Awards in 2010 by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and Hamilton was honored with the prestigious Kentucky Colonel in 2009.
Prior to that, Hamilton served as editor and general manager of the local newspaper, The Lebanon Enterprise. During his tenure, he won more than 60 Kentucky Press Association and Landmark Community Newspapers Inc. awards for editorial, design and photography and also garnered LCNI business awards.
Hamilton’s commitment and service to community is evident in his many leadership roles such as recently serving as the Marion County Chamber of Commerce vice president; Marion County Arts & Humanities Council president; Marion County Historical Society board of trustees, Cinco De Mayo Celebration creator and chair and Budweiser-Lebanon Merchants Athletics Club creator and volunteer manager... and so much more.
Hamilton is thrilled to be able to promote the Aurora Area. "This is a beautiful part of Illinois and I look forward to joining the community," he said.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Kentucky-based Campbellsville University. In addition, he earned a professional tourism certification from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and tourism marketing professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society.
Laurie DiBerardino
Director of Public Relations & Marketinglaurie@enjoyaurora.com
Public Relations Director Laurie DiBerardino brings to the AACVB over 13 years of experience in publishing. In her last venture, Laurie took on the role of editor of a B2B cosmetic trade publication-driving the division's strategy behind the scenes, while serving as the magazine's spokesperson in the industry.
During her seasoned career, Laurie has commandeered marketing and public relations initiatives for consumer and trade, magazines and newspapers, print as well as Web. She's presented talks internationally on such topics as trends and spas, and has been quoted by The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune and Pink Magazine for her industry know how.
Laurie serves on the American Business Media as an editorial committee member, is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Society of Business Editors, Women in Publishing and The Society of Professional Journalists. She sits on the Society of Cosmetic Chemists media and public relations committee.
Laurie's favorite vacation vista? The pristine salmon-tinted beaches of Bermuda.
Ellen Mueller
Office Administratorellen@enjoyaurora.com
Ellen’s role at the CVB is behind the scenes,
but very critical support staff. She not only cares for the office, but she also “CRUNCHES” numbers. She handles accounts payables and accounts receivables. She prepares and presents financial reports to the President, the Board of Directors as well as to the State of Illinois. She submits grant applications and tracks their fulfillments. She fulfills literature requests and distributes to the various Information Centers, kiosks and literature distribution centers around Illinois and sometimes out of state. She also acts as Secretary to the President/CEO.
Michelle Glosser
Group Sales Directormichelle@enjoyaurora.com
Michelle Glosser, Group Sales Director, came to the AACVB in 2007 with 14 years of hotel operations and sales experience in her hospitality portfolio. As a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA), Michelle holds this prestigious certification through the American Hotel and Lodging Association. The highlights of her hotel General Manager career included increased revenues 6 of 7 years, maintaining guest complaints to 1/3 system average, serving on the Choice Hotels Regional Advisory Board, and earning Gold and Silver Awards respectively.
At the AACVB, Michelle is active through trade show participation while encouraging groups to hold meetings, conventions, sporting events and group travel in the 10 communities we serve. Michelle will assist your group with advance preparations and details while your event is in progress.
In her free time, you will find cheering on her sports fanatic son, following the NIU Huskies, White Sox and Bulls. Her vacation of choice is simple--a beach!
