Cory Jobe to chair Illinois Destinations Association board of directors
Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver across Illinois, generating billions in visitor spending, supporting thousands of jobs, and enhancing the quality of life in communities throughout the state. As destinations work to capitalize on growing travel demand and evolving visitor expectations, strong industry leadership remains essential to advancing Illinois’ tourism economy.
To that note, the Illinois Destinations Association (IDA) recently announced the election of its 2026–2027 board of directors. Representing destination organizations from every region of Illinois, the newly elected board brings extensive expertise in destination marketing, economic development, advocacy, and visitor engagement. Together, they will help guide the association’s efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism industry and support the success of local destination organizations.
Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau President/CEO Cory M. Jobe has been announced as the incoming chair of the IDA board.
“Tourism is one of Illinois’ most impactful economic development industries, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and supporting businesses in communities of every size,” said Jobe. “I am honored to serve as Chair of IDA and work alongside such an accomplished group of industry leaders. Together, we will continue to advocate for the importance of tourism, invest in professional development opportunities for our members, and strengthen Illinois’ position as a premier travel destination.”
The IDA Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the association, including financial stewardship, legislative and advocacy initiatives, professional development programming, and the enhancement of member services.
The newly elected board will assume leadership responsibilities on July 1, 2026, with terms continuing through June 30, 2027.
Cory Jobe
The complete slate of the 2026–2027 IDA Board of Directors includes:
Leadership team:
- Chair: Cory M. Jobe, president/CEO, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau
- 1st Vice Chair: JD Dalfonso, president/CEO, Peoria Area CVB
- 2nd Vice Chair: Krisilee Murphy, executive director, Elgin Area CVB
- Secretary: Ashlee Spiller, executive director, VisitSI
- Treasurer: Heather Larson, president/CEO, Meet Chicago Northwest
- Past Chair: Brittany Henry, executive director, Jacksonville Area CVB
Directors-at-large:
- Scott Dahl, director, Springfield CVB
- John Groh, president/CEO, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Dave Herrell, President/CEO, Visit Quad Cities
- Bob Navarro, president, Heritage Corridor CVB Kristen Reynolds, President/CEO, Choose Chicago
Ex-officio directors:
- Cort Carlson, executive director, Aurora Area CVB
- Darlene Chapman, president/CEO, Downstate Illinois Tourism Bureau Terry Mattson, CEO, Galena Country Tourism
- Mary Patchin, president & CEO, Chicago Southland CVB Cortney Strohacker, Executive Director, DeKalb County CVB
For more information about the Illinois Destinations Association, visit www.ildestinations.org.
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