The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the hire of its new Executive Director Chris Hamilton who officially took over late last month.

AACVB Board of Directors Chairman Dale Berman said, “We are very pleased and excited to have a new director with the experience and enthusiasm of Chris Hamilton and look forward to him joining our team.”
Hamilton served as the executive director of the Lebanon (Ky.) Tourist & Convention Commission since 2005 winning awards and accolades including three Traverse Awards in 2010 by the Kentucky Travel Industry Association and the prestigious Kentucky Colonel honor in 2009. The Kentucky Colonel—the highest title of honor bestowed by
the Commonwealth of Kentucky—is issued by the governor to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.
Prior to that, Hamilton served as editor and general manager of the local newspaper, The Lebanon Enterprise. During his tenure, the paper won more than 60 Kentucky Press Association and Landmark Community Newspapers Inc. awards for editorial, design and photography and also garnered LCNI business awards.
Hamilton commitment and service to community is evident in his many leadership roles such as: Lebanon/Marion County Chamber of Commerce vice-president; Marion County Arts & Humanities Council president; Marion County Historical Society board of trustees; Cinco De Mayo Celebration creator and chair and Budweiser-Lebanon Merchants Athletics Club creator and volunteer manager. He also has been a member of the Lebanon-Marion County Rotary Club, Lebanon Park Board, eCommunity Leadership Team, Knights of Columbus, and Lebanon Main St./Renaissance Committee, among others.
"Words cannot fully express my eagerness to begin growing the travel and tourism industry in the Aurora Area," Hamilton said. "During my initial introduction to the Bureau and the community, I've seen that this area has limitless potential and I appreciate the AACVB search committee giving me the opportunity to join the team. This is a beautiful part of Illinois and I look forward to joining the community."
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from Kentucky-based Campbellsville University. In addition, Hamilton earned a professional tourism certification from the Kentucky Industry Travel Association and a tourism marketing professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society.
Hamilton replaces AACVB's long-time CEO/President Sue Vos, who retired June 30. The CVB chose Hamilton from a pool of nearly 190 nation-wide applicants.
The AACVB is a not-for-profit five-person bureau that serves as the tourism marketing and management organization for Aurora, Batavia, Big Rock, Hinckley, North Aurora, Montgomery, Plano, Sandwich, Sugar Grove and Yorkville.