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Meet the Team at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Bureau is to develop, encourage, solicit and promote tourism within the Bureau’s defined assessment district in order to generate new dollars for the Gaylord and Otsego County region, thereby, enhancing and developing the economic fabric of the community.
Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau is funded by Public Act 59, which is also known as a room assessment. The room assessment is collected from hotel guests and is used to support tourism marketing and development efforts.
We’re a small but mighty team, each bringing something different to the table. If you ever need trip ideas, event information or just want to chat about all things Gaylord, we’re happy to help!
Paul Beachnau
Executive Director
Paul is a lifelong Gaylord resident and has led the Tourism Bureau since its creation in 1987! His dedication to the community and passion for promoting northern Michigan have shaped Gaylord and the Gaylord Golf Mecca into the destinations they are today. Paul has built a team that works together to highlight all things Gaylord.
Christy Walcott
Director of Marketing and Communications
Christy has been with the Tourism Bureau since 2017, making sure Gaylord stays on the map as a must-visit destination. She oversees all things marketing and communications—advertising, media partnerships, print publications, digital campaigns—you name it! Christy keeps Gaylord in the spotlight year-round.
Pam Anthony
Information Center Coordinator
Pam has been with the Tourism Bureau since 1993 and is the glue that holds everything together. She’s the friendly face at the Visitor’s Center and the one making sure your Visitor’s Guides get mailed out. Need directions or recommendations? Pam is always happy to help.
Alise Hale
Group Sales Manager
Alise started her position with the Tourism Bureau in 2024 and is the go-to person for group sales. She is excited to work with you on all your event planning needs. Her expertise of the Gaylord area businesses will get you off to a smooth start for your upcoming event, meeting, conference or wedding.
Val Wright
Social Media Manager
Val has been with the Tourism Bureau since 2024 and is the voice behind all things social media—literally, it’s her voice on the videos! She keeps the conversation going online, manages website content, and sends weekly e-blasts, all while sharing her love for nature and bringing Gaylord’s beauty to life.
Karen
Special Pawject Manager
Karen is a Great Pyrenees with a big personality and an even bigger heart. She believes in working smarter, not harder—mostly by convincing others to do things for her. She prefers to supervise from her favorite nap spot while making sure Val keeps the treats coming.
Mac
Macbassador
Mac is a Golden Retriever who fully embodies the spirit of Gaylord—laid back, friendly and always up for an adventure. Mac can sometimes be found at the Visitor’s Center greeting guests. He lives with Paul, but if you ask him, it’s definitely the other way around. Mac is the true boss around here.
Gypsy
Director of Barketing
Gypsy is a German Shepherd with boundless energy. She takes her role as Barketing Director very seriously and she’s also the smartest of the bunch, recently graduating as Valedogtorian from her dog school. She’s Christy’s best friend (sorry to Christy’s other friends, but it’s true).