Albany Visitors Association Staff and Board of Directors
Meet the Staff
Rebecca Bond, Executive Director
As the Director, Rebecca is the official spokesperson for the Albany Visitors Association (AVA). Since joining the AVA in 1996, she has advanced through the ranks, holding every position at some point during her tenure. She's most widely known for her work with Albany's historic resources, assisting with organization, project management, marketing, event planning, and volunteer coordination. She is now actively involved in leading AVA's marketing and operational planning. She also serves as a liaison to many partners, including the Historic Carousel & Museum, Albany Downtown Association, Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) shareholder committee, Linn County Cultural Coalition, and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association. Rebecca's experience in tourism marketing is well-known, and she has boundless enthusiasm and love for the community in which she lives and works.
As the Marketing Manager, Alicen maintains the AVA website by writing blogs, creating new content, and updating existing pages. She publicizes Albany on social media, schedules itineraries for visiting travel writers, and serves on the public relations committee for the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, promoting Albany and Linn County regionally and statewide. Alicen also designs digital and print ads and occasionally writes for local publications. She enjoys creating the monthly Albany Travel News email newsletter, highlighting local events for visitors and residents. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, and hiking. Alicen and her husband, Joe, have been married for over 25 years and have two adult children.
In her role as Historic Resources Manager, Lonna serves as a liaison for local historic sites such as the Monteith House and the Albany Regional Museum, assisting in ways that promote and support them. She also helps organize Albany’s two annual historic home tours, showcasing the city’s rich history. Having lived in the Albany area for over 40 years (on and off), Lonna knows the community well. She and her husband, Rollie, raised six children and now enjoy life with four grandchildren and three dogs. An extrovert at heart, she thrives on connecting with people and attending social gatherings. When she’s not busy “hosting Albany,” you might find her reading, journaling, or singing jazz — keep an eye on the calendar for her next appearance.
As the Visitor Services Coordinator, Kristopher warmly welcomes visitors and locals alike, answering calls, curating the events calendar, stocking brochures, and ensuring the visitor center radiates friendliness. He also acts as a liaison for Albany’s hotels, regularly distributing brochures and other printed resources for those visiting our lovely community. A creative at heart, Kristopher spends his free time practicing various artistic mediums such as knitting, crochet, design, drawing, and watercolor. He is also a big animal lover and the proud parent of two cats. Canine visitors are always welcomed with a big smile and, of course, treats.
Don has been with AVA for 25 years. He's one of the friendly, smiling faces you'll see when you walk through our front doors, and he gladly dispenses maps or directions to anywhere you'd like to go in Linn County. Don also coordinates the volunteer staff and training at our "Little Blue House" visitor information center at the southbound I-5 Santiam Rest Area. These volunteers serve free coffee and hot chocolate and help guide travelers towards the best sights in Albany.
