iTIP Leadership
iTIP Board of Directors & Staff
3 Questions Asked:
- Bio
- What is your “why” for serving on the iTIP board?
- Why should someone consider being a member of iTIP?
Kevin Bourke, President
- Kevin Bourke, President/CEO of Discover Ames has been recruiting people to come to Ames for more than 35 years. The Iowa State University alum, coached Track & Cross Country at ISU for 17 years. Prior to joining Discover Ames, Bourke served as the COO for the Iowa Sports Foundation, aka Iowa Games. Bourke admits that his love of Cyclone athletics and passion for Ames is what drives him to get out of bed every day!
Serving on the iTIP board provides me a way to help strengthen the entire travel and tourism industry in Iowa. And as travel and tourism grows, all Iowan’s benefit.
Networking creates relationships, relationships create partnerships, and partnerships create growth. All of Iowa’s travel industry partners are seeking growth and what better way to accomplish it than through involvement in iTIP.
Jennifer Pickar, Vice President
- Jennifer Pickar leads the Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau. She has extensive knowledge of destination marketing, working at the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office for over 10 years, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau for six years, and interning at the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau during college.
- It is important for Iowa’s tourism and hospitality industry to come together as one strong organization. We can accomplish more by working together and centralizing efforts of numerous tourism entities.
- Now more than ever, tourism and hospitality businesses need to work together. iTIP offers the opportunity for the industry we love to have a louder, more influential voice. With iTIP, you can join one organization and have access to a wide variety of educational, marketing, and advocacy opportunities. iTIP is built to serve all sizes of tourism businesses, organizations, and communities.
Korey Woodbury, Treasurer
- Korey Woodbury of North Liberty, IA has serviced the hospitality industry in the Coralville/Iowa City area for the past eight years and is currently the General Manager of Hotel Millwright in the historic Amana Colonies.
- To bring a diverse point of view to a variety of topics and discussion to move Iowa tourism to the next level.
- First and foremost, to connect and network with some of the most influential people in the state of Iowa, Secondly, to change the narrative and perspective of the way Iowa is viewed. Iowa is a great state, help us show it off! Third, WHY NOT!?
Kim Grzywacz, Secretary
- Kim Grzywacz, CTIS, taught elementary school for 18 years. In 2012, she joined her husband at his company, CIT Signature Transportation. To learn about the industry, Kim became very active and served on the Motorcoach Marketing Council, Women in Buses Council, Iowa Group Travel Association, and the American Bus Association Board of Directors. Her leadership, volunteerism, and active involvement have earned her recognition from peers through awards at both the national and state levels.
- As a small, family business, carving time out of the work week to give back to the state of Iowa and the travel industry is non-negotiable. Building relationships, sharing best practices, and promoting our great state with one vision, one mission, and one voice, is an honor and privilege.
- Kim has learned that many voices speaking as one are heard better than many voices speaking on their own. Iowa has much to offer its travelers. iTIP will speak as one collective voice to grow tourism in Iowa. Be a part of that voice.
Dave Herrell, Past President
- Dave Herrell serves as the President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. Visit Quad Cities is the region’s official destination marketing and management organization (DMMO) charged with driving economic development opportunities through tourism. A proven executive with more than 20 years of experience, Herrell has a background in destination and brand marketing, administration, operations, strategic planning, business development, fundraising, communications, and non-profit management.
- Serving on the iTIP Board of Directors is a privilege. To be able to emotionally connect with my colleagues, peers, and friends that are passionate about making their destinations, our industry, and the State of Iowa simply better is highly rewarding. I firmly believe that tourism empowers people and communities and this organization and the leaders driving it share that common purpose. It is an honor to serve and represent an industry I care deeply about.
- Joining iTIP is a smart decision for any organization connected to travel, tourism, and the many sectors it is connected to. The value of benefits but more importantly the professional growth, development opportunities, and relationships formed are why Visit Quad Cities is involved and why we are committed to iTIP’s success and future. It is the organization that is leading Iowa’s tourism industry forward into the 21st century as the State of Iowa competes for more visitors, talent, jobs, and awareness.
Dylan Does
- Dylan Does is the Tourism Director with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce’s tourism effort, “Meet in Marshalltown”. He has spent his 20+ year career focusing on communicating, collaborating, and championing people and places. The best part about him is his wife, Aubrey, and their boys Ian and Xavier. In his free time, he is probably broadcasting some Marshalltown Bobcat sport with KFJB-TV and Newstalk 1230 AM KFJB.
- I am passionate about serving on iTIP’s board because iTIP is comprised of a diverse group that represents a unified voice for tourism across the State of Iowa. It is an incredible honor to help lead our association to elevate and celebrate tourism in Iowa.
- I was new to the tourism industry in March 2023, and iTIP quickly became the single most important group I’ve been part of during my time in the field. iTIP provides high-level training, networking, and mentoring. Beyond the formal ways they provide value, iTIP creates opportunities to build friendships and collaborative opportunities across the state of Iowa. I would encourage any organization looking to elevate its voice, its leaders, and its impact, to become a member of iTIP.
Jessica Dunker
- Jessica Dunker is president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, a non-profit trade association which advocates on behalf of the state’s 6,000 restaurants and bars. In addition to working with state agencies and lawmakers to improve Iowa’s hospitality business climate, Dunker travels the state speaking to regional and local groups about the importance of the local culinary scenes’ role in building strong connected communities. She carries that notion into her work on the iTIP and other Board of Directors on which she serves.
- “When surveyed 60% of consumers say they would rather spend money on an experience such as a restaurant than on a physical item,” says Dunker. “In that way, tourism and food culture are one and the same.”
- Dunker encourages restaurants, bars and other hospitality ventures to consider joining iTIP to help promote themselves as destinations in and of themselves.
Mary Earnhardt
- Mary Earnhardt is the President and CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association, which is the statewide trade association of Iowa’s 19 commercial casinos. Prior to taking on this role, Earnhardt has spent her professional career working for the Iowa Legislative Branch, in private-sector government relations, and on political campaigns in Iowa.
- Tourism is a critical driver of economic development and job creation. Serving on the iTIP board allows me to advocate for a unified strategy that connects travel and hospitality experiences, attracting more visitors, and extending their stays. I want to ensure that our industry is not only contributing to the local economy but also aligning with innovative tourism initiatives that benefit the state.
- Joining iTIP offers valuable opportunities to build connections, stay informed, and influence the future of your industry.
Mark Eckman
- As a South Dakota native, Mark Eckman’s tourism career has taken a scenic route through Iowa. Eckman started in the industry working frontline jobs in the Okoboji area during high school. After graduating from the University of Iowa, his journey led to the Villages of Van, Iowa Tourism Office, Ottumwa Area CVB, and eventually to the Council Bluffs CVB. Furthermore, he enjoyed serving in leadership positions with the Iowa Group Travel Association, Eastern Iowa Tourism Association, Iowa Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, Central Iowa Tourism Region, and Iowa Destination Marketing Alliance.
- Despite the challenges, this moment can be truly transformational and lead Iowa to a place where the tourism industry can make an even bigger positive impact. But, we can’t be afraid of change and this opportunity to evolve. That’s what iTIP represents.
- The future is always full of possibilities. Join iTIP and be part of what’s next.
Trina Flack
- Trina Flack is the President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. She’s lived her whole life in Greater Des Moines and spent over 20 years in the destination marketing space, primarily in sales. Her passions include analyzing data, local politics, winning new business, regional collaboration and learning from industry peers.
- I believe strongly in the impact of meetings and tourism. Visitors mean so much to our communities and our state. By working together and using one big voice we can elevate our presence and compete at the highest level.
- This industry is about supporting each other, and iTIP not only supports tourism and the state, but we support each other. You get to be part of something that is meaningful, impactful and fun!
Carrie Koelker
- Through her work at Travel Dubuque, Eastern Iowa Tourism Association, and the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Senator Carrie Koelker has nearly 30 years of experience strengthening communities in Eastern Iowa. Senator Koelker takes pride in promoting Iowa’s people and places, whether it is small town hospitality or big city excitement or as an elected official under the Golden Dome. Tourism is her passion and that experience in economic development, rural Iowa, and creative partnerships provides her with the knowledge, passion, and experience to benefit Iowa!
- I enjoy serving with a diverse leadership that has a common passion for Iowa’s communities. Together, we recognize the need to build a strong foundation for our entire industry—rural and urban Iowa. I’m thrilled to be a part of a group that unites to build a private and public partnership for the future of our industry. Iowa is a great place to be!
- We make a significant difference on a united front.
Kerrie Kuiper
- Kerrie Kuiper serves as the Executive Director of Visit Fort Dodge, an organization dedicated to driving economic growth by attracting visitors through targeted marketing efforts. With 18 years of experience in destination marketing, event planning, communications, and business development, Kuiper is committed to enhancing the economic vitality of her community.
- It is an honor to serve on the iTIP Board of Directors – I look forward to collaborating with fellow tourism professionals to further elevate and expand tourism’s impact across Iowa’s visitor-serving industries.
- Membership in iTIP empowers tourism organizations and businesses to advance through strategic marketing, advocacy, and professional development. Visit Fort Dodge has derived significant value from our involvement, particularly through participation in niche marketing events focused on sports tourism, meetings and conventions, and the motorcoach sector. Additionally, our team has benefited from iTIP’s professional development programs, including the mentorship initiative, iLEAD, and educational sessions. Active engagement with iTIP can be a catalyst for success for tourism organizations and businesses across the state.
Anne Lawrie
- It’s deeply rewarding to connect with colleagues, peers, and friends who share a passion for
elevating the attention and making our communities and the state of Iowa better. I firmly believe tourism empowers people and strengthens communities, and iTIP – and the industry behind it – champion that purpose every day. - By centralizing the efforts of numerous tourism entities, we can amplify our impact and
accomplish far more together than we can alone. Tourism strengthens communities while
driving the economy, and iTIP – along with its dedicated leaders – embodies that purpose. - Joining iTIP connects the tourism industry to a statewide network of tourism professionals and provides access to valuable resources – including data, mentorships, marketing partnerships, and advocacy – this is extremely important to allow smaller communities, organizations, and industry partners a place to foster relationships and opportunity to lift each other up.
Jeremy Parsons
- Jeremy Parsons has served as CEO of Iowa’s largest event, the world-renowned Iowa
State Fair, since 2023. A native Iowan whose childhood upbringing taught him the importance of community involvement, he currently serves on the Catch Des Moines Board, the Iowa Tourism Advisory Group, and the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Foundation Board. - Serving an organization of like-minded tourism professionals whose goal is to promote our State to the world is an honor – and extremely rewarding. It’s a way for me to network and learn more about how I can help strengthen the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry in Iowa.
- In a world of constant change, it is important the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry stand together to provide a united front to our visitors and our local stakeholders. iTIP is the perfect organization to project that united effort.
Nick Pfeiffer
- Nick Pfeiffer is Vice President of Public Affairs at Think Iowa City. He joined the organization in 2017 as Vice President of Marketing and led marketing, social media, communications, and branding strategy for Think Iowa City for four years. He now focuses on placemaking, governmental affairs, and media communications for Johnson County. Pfeiffer produced the regional EMMY winning documentary “Cultivation: Writing and Wrestling in Iowa City.” Pfeiffer is Vice President of the iTIP Foundation Board of Trustees and serves on the iTIP Advocacy Committee. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Eastern Iowa Travel Association, Travel Federation of Iowa, and the Iowa City Downtown District, as well as on several committees for Travel Iowa.
- I love Iowa. I want more people to understand why Iowa is such a special place. I appreciate being able to network with peers that feel the same way so that we can, together, continue to make Iowa a great place to visit and live.
- We are all in this together. iTIP brings together like-minded leaders to strengthen our connections and understanding of the industry across the state. The broad knowledge of the individuals involved with iTIP is incredible and by being a member you can tap into that knowledge.
Val Reinke
- Val Reinke has been the Executive Director of Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism since May 2015. She both lives and works in Allamakee County and enjoys promoting the area, known as the center of the Driftless Region. Allamakee County is home to Effigy Mounds National Monument, Yellow River State Forest, the original 100 miles of the Driftless Area Scenic Byway, and 36.2 miles of the Iowa Great River Road.
- I serve on the iTIP board because I believe in the significant role tourism plays in driving our local economy. By building awareness and promoting tourism, iTIP helps to highlight the unique attractions and experiences our state has to offer, which can ultimately lead to more visitors and economic growth for communities.
- Joining iTIP offers a valuable opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the tourism landscape across Iowa. Members benefit from shared knowledge, networking with like-minded professionals, and contributing to initiatives that enhance the tourism industry, making it a rewarding experience for anyone passionate about promoting our state.
Emily Starnes
- Emily Starnes has served as Executive Director of the Villages of Van Buren since July 2019, leading tourism efforts and supporting rural community development across Van Buren County. A native of the area, she brings a background in financial management, marketing, and communications, with experience in finance, education, and hospitality. Emily serves on multiple regional economic development boards and volunteers as a first responder. When she’s not promoting the Villages, she enjoys kayaking, gardening, and spending time with her two kids and rescue dog.
- Serving on the iTIP Board of Directors is an opportunity to represent the voice of rural
Iowa, a perspective that is vital to the overall strength of our state’s tourism industry.
As someone who lives and works in a region where tourism directly supports the
sustainability of small towns and local economies, I’m passionate about ensuring that
rural communities have a seat at the table. iTIP’s mission to unify and elevate tourism
across Iowa is important to me because it brings together partners from every corner of
the state – large and small – to share ideas, resources, and a collective vision for growth. - iTIP brings together passionate tourism professionals from all corners of Iowa – rural and
urban alike – creating a strong, unified voice for our industry. As someone from a very rural region, I see firsthand how valuable it is to have a seat at the table and be part of a network that shares resources, supports one another, and works toward common goals. Whether you’re a small-town destination, a local business, or a regional attraction, iTIP provides the connections, education, and advocacy needed to help you grow and thrive. It’s more than a membership, it’s a community working together to showcase the best of Iowa.
Julie Stow
- Julie Stow is Associate Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office with over 30 years experience in the fields of retail, economic development, tourism and hospitality. A native Californian, she found her way to Iowa in her role as Human Resource Director at Nordstrom for the opening of their Cedar Rapids Fulfillment Center. Her enthusiasm for the community led her to the Chamber of Commerce/Economic Alliance where she provided support to local businesses. She now uses her passion for the community to drive economic impact through tourism. She has been recognized as a Smart Women in Meetings Stellar Performer and Hall of Fame inductee, a 2022 40 Women to Watch in the Hospitality Industry and one of CBJ’s Most Influential Business Leaders. In her free time, she serves on the Visual Arts Commission for the City of Cedar Rapids and is on the board for The District.
iTIP is critical to the state’s tourism success and gives me the opportunity to connect with my peers, learn from the successes other communities in our state are experiencing and collaborate on initiatives.
We are always stronger together and iTIP membership gives us a larger voice in the impact of tourism. It brings great value with its networking and professional development opportunities and additional promotion of our organizations.
iTIP STAFF
Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director
- Chelsea Lerud began as the Interim Director of iTIP in August 2021 and was named the Executive Director in April 2022. Previously she served as the Executive Director of the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau for 7 years. She holds a Master of Arts in Leisure, Youth & Human Services from the University of Northern Iowa. Chelsea is extremely passionate about Iowa’s tourism industry and is excited to help take the industry to the next level. In her free time, Chelsea and her family enjoy exploring all the gems of Iowa.
- I have chosen to be active with iTIP because I want to see the growth of Iowa’s tourism industry. Iowa has so much to offer the visitor and it is important for the entire industry to work together to promote Iowa the best way possible. It is time that the tourism industry is known as the economic generator it is.
- An organization should consider joining iTIP to have the ability to stay connected to the entire travel and tourism industry. Learning from peers is so important to help your own organization thrive.
David Adelman, Lobbyist
- David Adelman joined Cornerstone Government Affairs in 2010, bringing over 10 years of substantial experience in grassroots advocacy, developing and implementing strategic legislative campaigns, drafting and analyzing legislative language and reports and establishing, administering and advising political action committees. Before joining Cornerstone, David worked for a law firm in West Des Moines as well as the Department of Justice, in the Iowa Attorney’s General Office, clerked in the State Senate and worked in Washington, D.C. at the Democratic National Committee.
- David helps Cornerstone clients identify opportunities and establish a road map for success at a local, state and federal level.