Galesburg, IL – Sarah Smith has been named Director of the Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau Board.

Smith will lead efforts to promote the Galesburg area as a flourishing destination for visitors while advancing tourism as a driver of community pride and economic growth.

“The GTVB Board of Directors is excited to welcome Sarah to Galesburg,” said Denise Gerstenberger, Vice President of the board. “Sarah will bring experience and a fresh perspective to the organization. Her enthusiasm and passion for marketing will be a great benefit to the organization.”

Smith brings extensive experience in strategic marketing, communications, and community-centered storytelling across various industries. She most recently led tourism marketing for Clinton, Iowa, a similarly sized community in Eastern Iowa, where she modernized the destination image, strengthened its visibility, restored local pride, and put it back on the map for residents and visitors alike.

Sarah Smith, Director of Experience Galesburg

As Executive Director, Smith will lead tourism strategy for the Galesburg area highlighting the community’s events, businesses and unique experiences to attract visitors and generate measurable economic impact.

She will also represent the community on regional, state, and national stages, collaborating with partners to expand tourism benefits across the local economy.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to share Galesburg’s story and highlight everything this community has to offer,” Smith said. “My first focus is connecting with the community and strengthening local pride. When residents feel engaged and businesses feel supported, tourism becomes more authentic and impactful. I look forward to building on the board’s strong foundation and showcasing Galesburg as a place people are proud to call home and excited to explore.”

“The City of Galesburg is pleased to welcome Sarah to the community as Director of the Galesburg Tourism & Visitors Bureau,” said Cathy St. George, Assistant City Manager. “We look forward to our continued partnership with GTVB and seeing our tourism sector thrive under Sarah’s leadership.”

Sarah Smith, Director of Experience Galesburg

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Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.