Durango Area Tourism Office Elects Board Members for 2012

DATO Board represents tourism interests in La Plata County

 

Durango, CO – The Durango Area Tourism Office (DATO) announces the appointment of three new members on their Board of Directors with terms beginning in 2012. Board members represent the depth of tourism in La Plata County and they fairly represent all entities within their specific sector of the industry. The thirteen-member Board meets once a month and each member serves a 3-year term.

New Board members:
Shanan Campbell Wells, Owner/Director of Sorrel Sky Gallery – Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Museums Seat
With over 20 years experience in the ‘Art World\’, Shanan has a deep understanding of the value of art in a community. She believes that there is a direct link between a thriving arts community and strong tourism. Shanan is a member of the Colorado Council of the Arts economic impact panel for the Governor of Colorado, Fort Lewis Foundation Board Member, and was recently appointed to the Public Art Commission. She was a panelist for Arts & Culture (La Plata Economic Summit). She was the past Commissioner of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board for the Department of the Interior. Her certifications include EDAC (Evidence Based Design Accredited & Certified) from the Center for Health Design, WBE (Women Owned Business).

Kim Oyler, Director of Communications at Durango Mountain Resort – ex officio, non-voting Board member
Kim\’s career in tourism began in 2001 when she was hired to do public relations and marketing for the newly created Colorado Tourism Office. In 2004, she was promoted to the director position for the CTO and was the youngest state tourism director in the nation. She received recognition in the Denver Business Journal Power Book for Business Accomplishments in 2006 and 2009. She also received the honor of being named as the \”Top 50 for the Future\” by the Colorado Statesman.

Michelle Thom, General Manager, New Strater Corporation – ex officio, non-voting Board member
Michelle brings vast experience in the tourism industry and knowledge that is based on the history, culture and opportunities surrounding the arts and entertainment in Southwestern Colorado. She serves on the Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association Board of Directors where she gives a voice to Southwestern Colorado. Michelle serves on numerous boards and has been involved in service clubs and nonprofits in our region.

\”We are very pleased to have Shanan, Michelle and Kim join the Board and believe their contributions and insights will result in a stronger organization,\” says John Cohen, Executive Director of the Durango Area Tourism Office. \”The DATO Board is a talented combination of knowledge, vision, and passion – representing diverse interests and specialties within tourism marketing and sales.\”

Members reappointed to the board:
Kris Oyler, Steamworks Brewing Co – Restaurant Seat
Kristin Muraro, Ska Brewing Co – Special Events Seat

Current Board members:
Kirk Komick, Leland House Bed and Breakfast & Rochester Hotel – Hospitality/Lodging Industry Seat
Ron Dent, Durango-La Plata County Airport – Transportation Industry Seat
Shirley Isgar, Blue Lake Ranch – La Plata County Representative Seat
Bob Kunkel, Business Improvement District -City of Durango Representative Seat
Pat Armstrong, Bear Paw Lodge – Specialty Lodging Industry Seat
Andrea Seid, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Summer Recreation Industry Seat
Sven Brunso, Durango Mountain Resort – Winter Recreation Industry Seat
Jeff Murray, Durango Harley Davidson – Tourism Related Retail Seat

The DATO Board of Directors also elected the Executive Committee for 2012: Chairman of the Board, Kris Oyler; Vice Chairman, Bob Kunkel; Treasurer/Secretary, Kirk Komick

The Durango Area Tourism Office is a not-for-profit organization operating with the mission to generate demand in visitation and overnight stays in La Plata County through strategic sales and marketing programs promoting our area for the benefit of visitors and local stakeholders. . For more information, visit www.durango.org or call (970) 247-3500.