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Meet the Explore Fairbanks Team
Scott McCrea
President and CEO
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Scott McCreaScott began serving as President and CEO of Explore Fairbanks in June of 2021. A 34-year resident of Fairbanks, he previously worked for the organization as Director of Tourism and Convention Sales and has more than 25 years’ experience working in public relations and marketing in Interior Alaska. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Fairbanks.
Dawn Murphy
Director of Finance and Administration
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Dawn MurphyDawn manages the financial affairs of Explore Fairbanks including preparing financial reports and statements, and management of human resources activities.
Athena Steffler
Finance Specialist
Athena assists the director of finance and administration and the president and CEO in the day-to-day executive, financial and administrative operations of Explore Fairbanks.
Kasey Gillam
Director of Communications
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Kasey GillamKasey oversees the development and implementation of Explore Fairbanks' advertising and public relations programs including collateral materials, publications and website development. She manages all domestic and international advertising placements and direct mail programs.
Angie Cerny
Branding and Production Coordinator
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Angie CernyAngie develops and manages in-house publications and collateral and assists in all elements of production including writing, photo selection and editing.
Jerry Evans
Public Relations Manager
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Jerry EvansJerry promotes Fairbanks to travel media through fulfilling media and image requests, press releases and coordination of media press tours.
Mickee McGuire
Social Media Manager
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Mickee McGuireMickee oversees all social media profiles for Explore Fairbanks. She creates content, makes posts, tracks and reports on all aspects of social media.
Gabrielle Knight
Communications Coordinator
Gabrielle collaborates with the Communications Department on key marketing initiatives, including writing and managing website content, developing newsletter content and strategy, coordinating user-generated content, and advancing website design projects.
Bill Wright
Director of Tourism and Meeting Sales
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Bill WrightBill markets Fairbanks as a destination to international and domestic tour operators, travel agents, airlines and other travel professionals, with an emphasis on the China, Taiwan and Australia markets. Bill also promotes the Fairbanks area as a convention, meetings, sports and incentive site to state, regional, national and international markets.
Carly Nelson
Meetings and Conventions Sales Manager
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Carly NelsonCarly supports both new and seasoned meeting planners in creating successful, high-quality events in Fairbanks. Leveraging a trusted network of professional venues and services, she offers hands-on guidance every step of the way—from crafting competitive bids to coordinating on-the-ground logistics—ensuring every event is seamless and memorable.
Risako Bennett
Meetings and Conventions Services Associate
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Risako BennettRisako delivers essential administrative support for events in Fairbanks and plays a key role in assisting the sales team with research and logistics coordination. Her attention to detail and behind-the-scenes expertise help ensure smooth planning and execution for successful events.
Tyler Chiles
Tourism Sales Manager
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Tyler ChilesTyler is involved in marketing programs targeting tour operators and travel agents in domestic and international markets.
Allysa Westman
Tourism Sales Manager
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Allysa WestmanAllysa is involved in marketing programs targeting tour operators and travel agents in domestic and international markets.
Ed Malen
Shared Services Senior Associate
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Ed MalenThe Shared Services Senior Associate serves as a central coordinator at Explore Fairbanks, managing office administration and executive support while assisting with tourism sales initiatives to drive organizational efficiency and mission success.
Charity Gadapee
Director of Visitor and Community Engagement
Charity oversees the operation of the Fairbanks Visitor Information Center at the MTCVC and its information satellites as well as partnership sales and services.
Kelsie Shields
Manager of Visitor Engagement
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Kelsie ShieldsKelsie operates the Fairbanks Visitor Information Center at the MTCVC and its information satellites and supervises all Visitor Engagement staff and volunteers.
Alanna McBrayer
Manager of Community Engagement
Alanna manages the Explore Fairbanks partner and associate programs. She also works with the school district on workforce development as well as sharing our mission and finding ways to work together with local groups and organizations.
