Meet the Staff
ASHLEIGH BACHERT
Executive Director
Ashleigh joined the Fort Smith CVB team as Executive Director in September 2023. She previously served as Vice President of Operations for Tulsa Regional Tourism. Before transitioning into her new role in Fort Smith, Ashleigh's data and sales strategies had already achieved 134.8% of the organization’s annual room night goal. She also served the organization as Interim Senior VP of Regional Tourism (2022) and Vice President of Sales & Experience (2020-2022). Prior to her tenure in Tulsa, Bachert worked in tourism-related leadership positions at Durham and Jacksonville-Onslow, North Carolina. Ashleigh is excited to work with the community and staff to invite guests to a beautiful, welcoming and engaging destination.
RUSS JESTER
Marketing Director
Russ is originally from the Texarkana, Arkansas area. He has been with the bureau since 2015. Russ is responsible for developing, executing, and refining marketing and communications processes that serve an overall mission to increase awareness of Fort Smith as a business and leisure destination. He is the CVB's primary source for a full range of creative services, which has also expanded the catalog of services available to convention and meeting clients. Russ holds a B.A. in Journalism, Advertising & Public Relations from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and he is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, a founding member of the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association, and serves on the board of directors for the Arkansas Festivals & Events Association.
AMY JONES
Director of Sales
Amy was born in Enid, Oklahoma and raised in Broken Arrow. She relocated to the Fort Smith area in 1997 where she raised her three children Lauren, Tanner and Ty. Amy has worked for Rausch Coleman Homes and attended college at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, as well as Carl Albert University. While working in the Fort Smith area, she was most comfortable working with the public and fell in love with the downtown area. Before taking her current position in June 2015 she spent 4 years as the Director of Sales for the Courtyard Marriott in Fort Smith. Her expertise was Sales and she found a calling in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry. She is passionate when it comes to representing her city and strives to bring Conventions and Events to Fort Smith. In April of 2016, Amy married Kenny Jones.
JENNY BUTLER
Group Sales Manager
Jenny was born and raised in Waldron, Arkansas. She received her bachelor’s degree at the University of the Ozarks and her master’s degree at the University of Central Arkansas. Jenny joined the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau team in August of 2022 and was grateful to move back to the River Valley. She has worked as a Social Host with Carnival Cruise Lines, at Arkansas Tech planning student events, and at Choctaw Casino & Resorts-Pocola working with events and marketing. She is excited to bring her expertise with groups and planning events to Fort Smith. Jenny enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and wrangling her three cats-Gizmo, Goose, and Gus.
ANGEL TRACY
Administrative Assistant
Angel is originally from Durango, Colorado, and relocated to the Arkansas River Valley during the summer of 2019. With a background in Hospitality, Information Technology, Transportation, and Urban Resource Conservation, she joined the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau in November of 2022, bringing a diversified skillset to the team. Angel serves on the board of the Van Buren JROTC Booster Club, contributing countless hours of volunteer service in support of young Americans on their journey to becoming great citizens. She is passionate about bio-dynamic gardening, an avid hiker, and a proud mother of two!