Meet Our Staff

President of the Chamber and Visit Greater St. Cloud since September 2021            Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud since 1998

Focuses on: Working with the Board of Directors to achieve the overall goals of our Chamber; managing the government affairs program; leading and managing our staff.

In my free time I enjoy: cooking – it’s hard to get me out of the kitchen.

Fun Fact: I have a recreational pilot’s license.

What the staff says: “Julie has a great perspective to offer based on her genuine personality.”

“Julie is loyal, fair, super fun, extremely nice, does not control you, and always recognizes your efforts.”

Vice President of the Chamber since 1988

Focuses on: Membership programs; the Waite Park and Sauk Rapids Chambers; editor of Business Central Magazine.

In my free time I enjoy: gardening, both flowers and vegetables, but mostly flowers; reading; travel; and embroidery. Did I mention gardening?

Fun Fact: I play clarinet in the St. Cloud Municipal Band.

What the staff says: “Gail takes the best vacations to the best places. I admire her adventurous side.”

“Gail always helps me and centers me when I get crazy ideas or am unsure about what to do. I know I can always count on her.”

Special Events Coordinator for the Chamber since August 2019

Focuses on: Creating and coordinating special events to meet the growing personal and professional needs of the companies and organizations in Central Minnesota.

In my free time I enjoy reading, board games, going to concerts, traveling, singing in community choir, spending time with friends and family

Fun Fact: I like crafts and make many things myself.

What the staff says: “Laura cracks me up with regular references to The Office. She has so many silly phrases that make me laugh.”

“Laura cares deeply about providing every member with the best possible experience we can provide. She has a gift for connecting with people.”

Membership Specialist since 2018

Focuses on: Introducing members of the business community to the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce through membership sales, orientation, support, and continued community and membership engagement.

In my free time I enjoy: spending time with family and friends, playing golf, watching football and exploring Minnesota.

Fun Fact:  I snowboard.

What the staff says:  “Antoinette’s happy disposition is contagious. She is always smiling and makes you smile with her.”

“Antoinette is passionate about helping others.”

Administrative Assistant/Network Administrator for the Chamber since 2002

Focuses on: Website maintenance, special event registration, and program support.

In my free time I enjoy: reading, counted cross stitch, baking, writing poetry, playing cards, and dominoes.

Fun Fact: I have cousins who medaled in the Olympics in curling.

What the staff says: “Vicki has a wealth of knowledge and helps me understand my job better.”

“I appreciate Vicki’s knowledge and helpfulness when I have website and computer questions.”

Administrative Assistant since 2015

Focuses on: Customer and information services.

In my free time I enjoy: going for walks, crafts, volunteering, and any activities surrounding my four boys.

Fun Fact: My official name is Michelle. I have gone by the name Shelly since kindergarten when my teacher asked my parents if it was okay because there were three Michelles in my class.

What the staff says: “Shelly loves helping people and the joy it brings her seems to come out of her pores!”

“Shelly is personable, friendly and helpful to visitors and staff and a wonderful asset to the Chamber.”

Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021                                                     Sales Director since 1996

Focuses on: Marketing, operational management, and public relations.

In my free time I enjoy: trying anything new to me: exploring a trail I haven’t been to before, checking out a new event, or discovering a new favorite menu item.

Fun Fact: I have two daughters who share my passion for St. Cloud adventures.

What the staff says: “Rachel’s attention to detail and positive attitude lifts the entire team.”

“Rachel is incredibly passionate about the tourism and hospitality world, and it shows in her dedication to constantly improving things for the industry. As a leader she is understanding, hardworking, and very creative.”

Sports & Special Events Manager, at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021

Focuses on: Working with sports organizations to host tournaments and other events in the St. Cloud area.

In my free time I enjoy: attending sporting events, concerts and checking out local craft breweries. 

Fun Fact: I can drink a half liter bottle of water in one second.

What the staff says: “Mike offers a depth of experience from the sports industry coupled with the passion to help all his clients.”

“One liners and punch lines are Mike’s specialty”

Director of Sales, at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2004

Focuses on: Showcasing St. Cloud as a premier destination to host large scale conferences. I work with event planners who have 250+ attendees to find a venue, coordinate hotel blocks and plan activities for them to see and do while they are here.

In my free time I enjoy: board games and movies!

Fun Fact: In 2001, I was named Miss Congeniality during the Hutchinson, MN Water Carnival.

What the staff says: “If don’t know Nikki yet, give it a few minutes and she will be your new best friend. She is kind, driven, and will go to lengths to make sure her clients have an unforgettable experience in Greater St. Cloud.”

“Nikki has an infectious laugh that brings a smile to everyone in the office!”

Sales Manager; at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2021

Focuses on: working with meeting and convention planners for associations and other regional, Midwest, and national organizations.

In my free time I enjoy: being out on the water, fishing, campfires, playing with my dogs, and hockey

Fun Fact: I am the youngest but the tallest in my family. 

What the staff says: “Craig approaches everything with a can-do attitude”

“Craig’s friendly and funny personality is great to work with.”

Marketing Manager; at Visit Greater St. Cloud since 2016

Focuses on: Manages the social spaces as well as all media placements, content creation, email marketing and more to promote Greater St. Cloud as a fun place to visit.

In my free time I enjoy: outdoor activities, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family

Fun Fact: My first job was at a pizza place in Avon, MN answering phones

What the staff says: “Emily is a marketing wizard full of creativity and expertise, couple that with her sense of humor and wit, she is simply unstoppable.”

“Social media guru! I’ve never worked with anyone of her caliber.”