Board President

John Groh is President & CEO of the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, a position he’s held since July 2009. During his tenure, and prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism’s economic impact grew in Winnebago County for 10 consecutive years at rates that made it the fastest-growing metropolitan tourist market in Illinois outside of Chicago. Now in recovery, tourism is rebounding more quickly in Winnebago County than in comparable markets RACVB benchmarks against.

Under John’s leadership, RACVB has prioritized destination activation, which has resulted in CVB-owned and produced events including Stroll on State and CRE8IV: transformation art – a multi-site public art festival that has created 42 large scale murals in the Rockford area. RACVB’s award-winning sports marketing program is well-know and well-respected among other cities that seek to benefit from sports tournaments.

John received his B.A. from Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota and then earned an MBA degree from Northern Illinois University. He is a Certified Destination Marketing Professional (CDME), a professional certification conferred by Destinations International.

Board Secretary

Jarrod Hennis is the Owner of Rockford Art Deli {R.A.D.}, a Rockford, IL based creative collective, located right downtown. It came together, impacting like a supernova of fresh perspective, creating a whole galaxy of astonishing business services. But it’s more than that. At the heart of this thriving organization is a passion for sustaining business in our hometown. He strives to not only help business owners with marketing and screen printing needs, but endeavor to keep the business local and restore Rockford’s historic downtown to glory.

Board Treasurer

​Gretchen Gilmore is the General Manager with ASM Global for the Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority who manage the BMO Center, Coronado Performing Arts Center, and Davis Park in beautiful downtown Rockford. She joined ASM in 2015 as the Director of Finance and promoted to GM in 2020 while navigating the COVID-19 closures and helping ensure the successful reopening of our venues. During this time, she was instrumental in the Rockford IceHogs team sale which solidified the hockey teams commitment to Rockford for the next 15 years. She has also acted on behalf of the owner during the on-going BMO Center modernization and infrastructure renovations, with a major emphasis on the customer experience.

It’s an exciting time to be in Rockford! Gretchen is able to see a significant increase in the number of visitors coming from outside the market, especially Chicago, based on ticket sales analytics. She is looking forward to working with the River District Association to help continue to promote downtown and all the wonderful gems we have for guests and residents to enjoy!

Gretchen has lived in Rockford for over 20 years and loves working and raising a family in Rockford.

Board Member

Born and raised here, Tamika, owner of Infinite Soul Vibrations, is a supporter of our city and is committed to being a part of the change she wishes to see. One way she does that is by providing a safe, intentional healing space where visitors are free to come as they are and are received and loved as they are.

Board Member

Danielle N. DeDario, MBA (Dani) is an award-winning Vice President, Business Banking Relationship Manager with 20 years in bank-related leadership roles. Her passion for helping businesses achieve efficiency, growth, cash flow optimization, strategic initiatives, and maximized financial security is seen throughout her extensive network.

She has helped organizations increase sales 300%, create incentive programs, enhance securities, develop loyal & productive teams, streamline processes, and increase operational excellence. Her ability to foster connections with people has helped her build a team of business experts that work together to advise her customers.

Dani is a highly engaged community leader, a member of several professional boards, active in many organizations and an enthusiastic volunteer. She continues to create and co-create events that bring professional resources and education to Northern IL & Southern WI. Her tenacity, vivaciousness, and drive have earned her the title of “Most Likely to Get Something Done,” sales & customer experience awards, and leadership awards.

She is a lover of travel, reading, food, adventure, networking, community, shoes , and most importantly family. She can be seen smiling and chatting all over the Rockford Region.

Connect with Dani on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

#dealswithdani #getthingsdonewithdani

Board Member

​Anna Garrison joined the City of Rockford’s Community & Economic Development Department as Economic Development Manager on May 2nd, serving the public through the management of community and economic development programs, strategic planning, and business recruitment and retention. Anna will be involved in planning, recommending, coordinating, and monitoring programs and projects to attract and retain commercial businesses and economic investment in Rockford, such as Tax Increment Financing (Tl F) districts, Enterprise Zones, loan programs, and other business development activities.

Prior to joining the City of Rockford, Anna was Manager of Projects & Events for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council where she supported the successful management of business recruitment and expansion projects in the Rockford Region and the implementation of the RAEDC’s events and trade shows. Anna worked closely with the Rockford Area Aerospace Network implementing their strategies and goals. Since 2018, she represented the RAEDC in the Illinois Defense Network. Previous to her time at the RAEDC, Anna spent over ten years in marketing and communication in the healthcare and professional services industries. Anna earned her Bachelor of Arts from Carroll University. She grew up in Rockford and returned to the city in 2008.

“This community has a rich history and so much potential. I love being a part of shaping our future” – Anna Garrison

Board Member

Laura has been the Executive Director of 317 since it’s inception in 2019.She is also the owner and primary teacher at SmARTy Pants Rockford Kid’s Art Studio. In addition, Laura does murals, teaches classes at museums, WomanSpace and libraries and sits on the Board of the River District Association and committees for Rockford Area Arts Council and the Rockford Art Museum.

Board Member

​A Culinary Journey Rooted in Family and Tradition Born and raised in Rockford, IL, Tisha Hannah’s culinary journey is a testament to her humble beginnings and the rich legacy passed down to her. As a child, the kitchens of her grandmother and mother were her playgrounds, places where she learned not just recipes, but the love and traditions behind every dish. Watching her grandmothers cook, she cultivated a deep passion for the art of food. Educated at Eisenhower Middle School followed by Westinghouse Career Academy High School in Chicago, Tisha’s heart always remained with her Rockford roots and the culinary memories of her family.

She is a proud mother of two sons, one of whom shares her zest for the kitchen. While Tisha had always loved to cook, her entrepreneurial journey began in earnest in 2017. Encouraged by her best friend Sierra to share her culinary prowess with the wider community, Tisha took the leap and began selling delectable meals from her home kitchen. This initiative quickly flourished into “T&C Cooking Creations.” Today, Tisha stands at the helm of a successful catering company, a buzzing food truck, and a restaurant that’s the talk of the town. Known widely for her iconic Soul Food Cups, irresistibly creamy mac and cheese, and an array of Southern Cuisine dishes, her culinary creations have graced the tables of celebrities including the legendary Clark Sisters and rapper Boosie. These accolades aren’t just limited to word of mouth; Tisha has clinched titles such as “Rockford’s Best Catering Company,” “Best Southern Food,” “Best Home Cook,” and even “Best Vegan Food.” Tisha’s culinary talent is expansive, allowing her to master any dish she sets her sights on.

As a board member, she brings with her not just her entrepreneurial spirit, but a heart rooted in family, tradition, and the deep-seated belief that food is a language of love and community.

Board Member

A proud Rockford native, Dave returned to his hometown in 2022 to open Maze Books, an independent new and used bookstore in the heart of downtown. He brings lots of business experience, has a passion for literacy, community advancement and loves supporting local businesses.

Dave also hopes to continue showcasing the immense creative talent in Rockford’s River District—the makers of amazing food, visual arts, media, music, crafts and indie businesses + other great venues. He is dedicated to working together and continuing to make the River District a cultural destination residents and visitors love to be a part of.

Board Member

Rockford raised, Matt Simpson, is the co-owner/partner of Eight Fifteen Capital, LLC and Wired Cafe, two Rockford-based ventures focused on innovation and community development. With a strong background in entrepreneurship and local investment, Matt is dedicated to creating spaces and opportunities that connect people, support small businesses and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Rockford.

Board Member

Jesse has been with Urban Equity Properties for nearly a decade, growing alongside the company in his role as Construction Expeditor, where he manages materials purchasing and oversees historic preservation compliance. His appreciation for Rockford’s historic downtown inspired him to join the River District Board, where he’s eager to help strengthen connections between local businesses, property owners and the community.

Outside of work, Jesse’s passion is music—he’s served on the board of the Rock n Roll Institute, a nonprofit helping young musicians build confidence and creativity through hands-on experience. A drummer for over 30 years, he currently performs with The Anys and Kelly Steward & The Restless Kind.

Jesse is excited to collaborate with fellow board members to continue driving positive momentum and innovation in downtown Rockford.

Board Member / Communications and Events Coordinator

Born and raised in Rockford, Andrea Cook brings nearly 25 years of leadership and over 15 years of marketing, promotions, and event experience to her role supporting River District businesses. After nearly a decade with GoRockford’s marketing team, she joined SocialKat Co. as a social media content manager in 2021. Passionate about community and collaboration, Andrea is dedicated to helping local businesses grow through creative communication, engaging content, and meaningful connections.

In her free time, Andrea enjoys exploring local shops and events with her family, traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Board Member

Rachel Larson, Executive Director of the Rock River Development Partnership (Rockford City Market), has joined the River District Association Board. With nearly a decade of experience in the event and hospitality industry, Rachel brings a deep passion for elevating downtown Rockford and connecting both residents and visitors with its vibrant offerings. A proud Rockford native, she is committed to increasing visibility for the River District and fostering a welcoming, walkable downtown experience. Her community involvement spans from volunteering with Noah’s Ark to sharing her love of local food on her Rockford Cravings Instagram, and she is currently becoming a CASA volunteer. Rachel is excited to reconnect with Rockford’s close-knit professional community and contribute to the district’s continued growth.