Meet the Team

Karen Trevino, CTIS, CCTP, CDTP, TMP
President & CEO

Karen’s four decades of tourism and hospitality experience include work as Senior Vice President & COO at North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau; group tours consultant at the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism; assistant and later executive director of then-named North Little Rock Visitors Bureau; director of operations for the Arkansas Hospitality Association, and hospitality and tourism professor at Pulaski Technical College’s Arkansas Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute.

Trevino currently serves on the Boards of Directors for Arkansas Travel Council, Skal International Arkansas and Southeast Tourism Society and as deputy auditor for Skal International USA.
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Janis Alexander
COO

501-404-0148

With a combined 35 years in hospitality and accounting, Janis leads the day-to-day operations of North Little Rock Tourism, Downtown Riverside RV Park, and Argenta Plaza. “North Little Rock Tourism invites visitors to discover a city rich in history, where local flavors thrive and visitors feel at home. We are welcoming, authentic, and full of southern charm.” Outside of the professional sphere, Janis loves spending time with family and friends. They’re lake people, so hanging out on the boat or camping is a must!

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Heather Kouns, TMP, CDME
Vice President of Strategic Sales
501-500-3728

With over 12 years of experience in tourism and hospitality, Heather manages group travel sales and the Downtown Riverside RV Park. She is also a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME). “Tourism is about crafting unforgettable destination experiences, and in North Little Rock, we’re fortunate to have exceptional industry professionals and community partners who make that work both joyful and deeply impactful.” Outside of the professional sphere, Heather enjoys growing flowers, landscape design, spending time in the garden, growing vegetables, and sitting on the porch in the evenings.

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Everett Gaither, PDM
Vice President of Marketing and Communications

501-500-3727 Everett has managed communications for multiple non-profit organizations in Wyoming for 5 years. “The biggest thing we do is partner with people because we don’t exist without the city of North Little Rock. That includes our government, but it also includes all the businesses and the people who go into making this place what it is. People in allthose different positions all come together to make our home a better place to visit, a better place to work, a better place to live”

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Shelbey Morris, CTP, STS, TMP
Senior Manager of Sales & Partnerships
501-404-0397

Shelbey, who has nearly ten years of experience in tourism, manages the sports incentive program and leads sales efforts in the sports and meeting markets. She is a Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) and Travel Marketing Professional (TMP). “I get to promote the city I love and live in by combining my skills to attract visitors and increase revenue for our local businesses.” Outside of work, Shelbey enjoys gardening, thrifting, watching scary movies, bird watching, going on adventures with her Husband, and cuddling with their three fur babies.

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Shannon Harris, TMP
Guest Experience Manager

501-758-1424

Shannon oversees the North Little Rock Welcome Center at 600 Main Street, Ste 100, North Little Rock, AR 72114. Shannon has been with the North Little Rock CVB for 12 years and was previously responsible for sales in the sports market. 

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate with a bachelor’s in marketing, Harris has also earned a Travel Marketing Professional Diploma from the Southeast Tourism Society’s Marketing College.
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Jill Thiel Lockard
Operations Coodrinator
501-404-0143

With over 20 years in hospitality, Jill assists North Little Rock foodservice and lodging businesses with the North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion (A & P) permit application process and A & P tax remittances. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some amazing people. That is the beauty of the tourism industry: it is all about growing and building communities, businesses, relationships, and careers.” Outside of the professional sphere, Jill is a dedicated suburban farmer and loves hosting friends and family in her backyard oasis.

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Jeff Wood
Sales Coordinator
501-404-0192

Jeff has 5 years of experience in event planning and community work within the education sector. “Working for North Little Rock Tourism has been nothing short of amazing. North Little Rock Tourism helps make every traveler’s experience in our city one they won’t forget.” Outside of the professional sphere, Jeff enjoys traveling, stand-up comedy, and going to the movie theater!

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Lourdes Jones, PDM
Marketing Coordinator
501-712-2018 Lourdes has four years of graphic design experience, focusing primarily on local and small businesses across Central Arkansas. “Through my work in destination management, I’ve learned the importance of shaping a destination’s story through marketing. With this knowledge, I create every advertisement design for North Little Rock Tourism to showcase what makes us a one-of-a-kind destination.” Outside of the professional sphere, Lourdes operates as a freelance comic artist under the name ARTGFLJ. They also enjoy collecting comic books, manga, and engaging with the community in a positive and fun way.
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Bri Vongvilay, PDM
Communications Coordinator
501-229-5104 Bri has seven years of experience in community engagement through social media, specifically in the education sector. “Through my work at North Little Rock Tourism, I’ve deepened my passion for community work and engagement. I’m grateful for the continuous opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive in the city that I love through North Little Rock Tourism.” Outside of the professional sphere, Bri enjoys plants, thrifting, art, music, and movies. She has a cat named Cheddar who she loves dearly.
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Shannon Washington, PDM
Executive Assistance
501-404-0192 Shannon has fourteen years of experience in customer service and project management, specifically in the healthcare industry. Tourism to me doesn’t just mean promoting a destination, but it also means creating space for creativity, culture, heritage, experiences, and most of all, fun! I believe that North Little Rock Tourism does just that, and I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful team.” Outside the professional sphere, Shannon enjoys spending time with her daughter, volunteering, event planning, traveling, watching sports and movies, and the arts. She’s also a fan of random trivia and good game nights.
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North Little Rock Tourism is here to make sure you enjoy your experience in North Little Rock, from a family vacation to a corporate meeting. We are the sales and marketing arm of the city’s Advertising & Promotion Commission.

600 Main Street, Suite 100, North Little Rock, AR 72114

Vision

To create and promote an inclusive environment for people to make vibrant memories in North Little Rock.

Mission

Develop, market and advocate to drive tourism to North Little Rock.

Primary Functions

  • To make a positive difference in the economy.
  • To market the community.
  • To work as a tourism industry coordinator.
  • To represent the tourism industry.
  • To build community pride.

Downtown Riverside RV Park

North Little Rock Tourism also manages the Downtown Riverside RV Park, located right on the Arkansas River with convenient access to local dining and entertainment.

250 S. Locust Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114

501-340-5312

Sheila Bullerwell
Manager
Deb Crow
Manager
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