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

Becca moved to Rockford from Grand Rapids, Michigan in early 2019. With a background in event planning and a passion for local food systems and community-centered events, she was eager to join the Rockford City Market team. She loves seeing relationships grow between customers and vendors, and is excited to continue fostering those connections via the Outdoor Rockford City Market, the North End City Market, and all of the various pop-up Markets during the year. When she’s not working with vendors or planning the next Market event, she enjoys spending time with family & friends, exploring local breweries and coffee shops, and reading Agatha Christie novels.

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

Jason is a lifelong resident of Rockford. Opened the first of several art galleries in downtown Rockford in 2002. Owner of Illuminate Neon, the last local neon shop in the area. Also owns and operates Rockford Record Company pressing vinyl for local bands. Currently managing The McPhereson which hosts local art and music events and rental spaces for studios and small businesses, purchased in 2021. Longtime promoter of art and music in the River District.

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

Orlando is the current Marketing and Communications Specialist for the Rockford Mass Transit District. Originally a St. Louis Native Orlando moved to Illinois to attend Southern Illinois University at Carbondale where he obtained his bachelors degree in Mass Communications and Digital Media. Orlando has been working in communications for the last seven years serving as both a local Broadcast News Reporter and Anchor.

Orlando moved to Rockford Illinois in 2021 from the State’s Capitol Springfield Illinois and is extremely excited to learn more about the Rockford area and all of the great things that the city has to offer. As a member of the River District Board, Orlando hopes to bring new and innovative ideas to an already thriving community.

Board Member

EVP of Leasing & Asset Management, Urban Equity Properties, LLC