Kim Bumpas is a national and regional leader with nearly two decades of senior management experience in hospitality, sales, and marketing. As President of Visit Knoxville, she focuses on promoting Knoxville as a travel destination, serving as a liaison with the Knoxville Convention Center, City of Knoxville, and other key stakeholders. Bumpas has been with Visit Knoxville since 2001, advancing from Sales Manager to President. She holds a marketing degree from the University of Tennessee and several industry certifications, including CMP and CDME. Her notable achievements include founding the VK Sports Commission, hosting the largest BASSMASTER Classic in 2019, and bringing Garth Brooks’ Stadium Tour to Knoxville. Bumpas is actively involved in various community organizations and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to tourism and hospitality.

Gibson began her stint at Visit Knoxville in 2007 as Director of Event Operations. A Greeneville, TN native, she graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Education, with a concentration in Sport Management and a Master’s of Science in Sport Administration. Prior to joining Visit Knoxville, Gibson served as the Assistant Manager of the Tennessee Theatre, Event Operations Manager at the Greater Louisville Sports Commission and as Program & Media Relations Coordinator at the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission. Gibson enjoys showcasing Knoxville by creating unique experiences for planners and convention attendees.

Monica Armstrong is the Senior Director of Visitor and Retail Services. A Knoxville native, she graduated from the University of Tennessee earning a B.S. in Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management alongside double minors in Business Administration and Consumer Sciences. Prior to joining Visit Knoxville, Armstrong worked as an Adventure Coordinator at Relais and Chateaux Resort, Blackberry Mountain, and for local restaurant groups Spaces in the City and Copper Cellar Corporation. Armstrong enjoys curating visitor experiences by showcasing Knoxville’s abundant offerings and highlighting what makes her hometown unique.

Culver is a Chattanooga native with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from The University of Tennessee. He has over 22 years of experience in the sports industry in recruiting and managing events. Prior to Visit Knoxville, Culver was employed by Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau where he served as Director of Sports Marketing. Culver also served on staff with the University of Tennessee Athletics Department from 2001-2005.

Nicole Merlino hails from DeWitt, Michigan. Upon finishing High School Merlino enlisted in the United States Army and served for 6 years, including two combat tours to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Following her time in service Merlino went on to earn degrees in Health Care Administration, Human Resource Management, and Business. Prior to joining the Visit Knoxville Team, Merlino was employed by the Geary County Health Department in Kansas, where she served as the Community Health Planner and then Accountant. Most recently Merlino lived in Louisiana and served as the Director of Finance & Human Resources at the City of Leesville for the last 6 years. Merlino relocated to Knoxville in 2022 and plans to make it her forever home.

Shera Swanson Petty earned a BS in Business Administration with a Major in Marketing from the University of Tennessee. Shera has been with Visit Knoxville since 2014. Prior to that she was Senior Media Consultant for E.W.Scripps company and was Senior Cosmetic Buyer for Saks Inc/Proffitts. Shera builds on her long standing relationships with members of the Community to connect local business and organizations with ways they can partner with Visit Knoxville to promote themselves to visitors, groups and the local community.

Alyssa Sloan is a 2011 transplant who just won't leave. Before joining Visit Knoxville, Sloan was a communication strategist who created and implemented marketing & communication plans for federal clients. Prior to that, for nearly a dozen years, Sloan was a program director and communication professor. She holds a Ph.D. in crisis communication, an M.A. in applied communication, and a B.A. in communication studies.

Since 2014, Curt Willis has served as the Director of the Visit Knoxville Film Office where he recruits feature films to shoot in Knoxville. Knoxville currently sits on Moviemaker Magazine’s list of Best Cities to Live & Work as a Filmmaker. He is also a filmmaker, having written and produced three feature films and co-directed one of those films, “Little Ponderosa Zoo” which aired on HBO and Cinemax. Curt is also an actor, appearing on such shows as Burn Notice, Under The Dome, The Outsider, Halt & Catch Fire, and Devious Maids to name a few.