Contacting the RCVA is easy. You can either write to us or submit your questions or comments to the appropriate staff member listed below.

Saint Paul Convention & Visitors Authority
175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 502
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651.265.4900 / 800.627.6101

General Mailbox


Our Management Team

  Jane Lewis, Vice President of Convention Sales - Interim
651-265-4936
[email protected]

Jane sells Saint Paul to national and regional meeting planners to produce leads for Convention Sales Mangers.  Jane is also in charge of planning and coordinating the CVA’s annual Holiday party, “Taste of Saint Paul.” What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy working and living in Saint Paul.  I like to walk to our neighborhood grocery store and shops. I also enjoy walking and biking along the beautiful Mississippi River.  Saint Paul is a walkable charming city!

...
651-265-4936
[email protected]

Jane sells Saint Paul to national and regional meeting planners to produce leads for Convention Sales Mangers.  Jane is also in charge of planning and coordinating the CVA’s annual Holiday party, “Taste of Saint Paul.” What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy working and living in Saint Paul.  I like to walk to our neighborhood grocery store and shops. I also enjoy walking and biking along the beautiful Mississippi River.  Saint Paul is a walkable charming city!

  Karolyn Kirchgesler, President & CEO
651.265.4901
[email protected]

Directs and leads Bureau towards its mission.  Works directly with Board on policy making and strategy for the organization.  Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Authority.  Develops and maintains effective organizational policies and ensures all Authority activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, laws and ethnical standards. What makes Saint Paul? I think the neighborhoods are what make Saint Paul unique. The coffee houses and specialty shops give the neighborhoods a unique and distinct flavor. We’re also fortunate to be a diverse community which accounts for the great ethnic restaurants that are sprinkled throughout the city.

...
651.265.4901
[email protected]

Directs and leads Bureau towards its mission.  Works directly with Board on policy making and strategy for the organization.  Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Authority.  Develops and maintains effective organizational policies and ensures all Authority activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, laws and ethnical standards. What makes Saint Paul? I think the neighborhoods are what make Saint Paul unique. The coffee houses and specialty shops give the neighborhoods a unique and distinct flavor. We’re also fortunate to be a diverse community which accounts for the great ethnic restaurants that are sprinkled throughout the city.

  Eric Willems, Chief Financial Officer
651.265.4822
[email protected]

Eric serves as chief financial officer and directs financial affairs of the CVA. He also directs financial management procedures, prepares financial statements and reports and manages accounting personnel. What makes Saint Paul? Its small town feel with a downtown that is accessible and easy to walk. Saint Paul's small town feel also comes from the fact that it has strong neighborhoods and strong citizen participation in community affairs. Saint Paul is truly a wonderful place to live, work and play.

...
651.265.4822
[email protected]

Eric serves as chief financial officer and directs financial affairs of the CVA. He also directs financial management procedures, prepares financial statements and reports and manages accounting personnel. What makes Saint Paul? Its small town feel with a downtown that is accessible and easy to walk. Saint Paul's small town feel also comes from the fact that it has strong neighborhoods and strong citizen participation in community affairs. Saint Paul is truly a wonderful place to live, work and play.

  Tricia Mattes, VP of Membership
651.265.4909
[email protected]

Oversees the day-to-day activities and supervises the training and development of membership staff.  Directs and manages all programs relating to Authority membership.  Responsible for creating a partnership between the Authority and the commercial and private sectors of the community.  Plans, develops and implements CVA membership sales, services and retention programs. Sells advertising in publications and online, and creates member-to-member networking events. What makes Saint Paul? The friendliness and loyalty make Saint Paul what it is. The majority of people I have become friends with from Saint Paul will never leave.

...
651.265.4909
[email protected]

Oversees the day-to-day activities and supervises the training and development of membership staff.  Directs and manages all programs relating to Authority membership.  Responsible for creating a partnership between the Authority and the commercial and private sectors of the community.  Plans, develops and implements CVA membership sales, services and retention programs. Sells advertising in publications and online, and creates member-to-member networking events. What makes Saint Paul? The friendliness and loyalty make Saint Paul what it is. The majority of people I have become friends with from Saint Paul will never leave.

Administration Department

  Karolyn Kirchgesler, President & CEO
651.265.4901
[email protected]

Directs and leads Bureau towards its mission.  Works directly with Board on policy making and strategy for the organization.  Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Authority.  Develops and maintains effective organizational policies and ensures all Authority activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, laws and ethnical standards. What makes Saint Paul? I think the neighborhoods are what make Saint Paul unique. The coffee houses and specialty shops give the neighborhoods a unique and distinct flavor. We’re also fortunate to be a diverse community which accounts for the great ethnic restaurants that are sprinkled throughout the city.

...
651.265.4901
[email protected]

Directs and leads Bureau towards its mission.  Works directly with Board on policy making and strategy for the organization.  Acts as the primary spokesperson for the Authority.  Develops and maintains effective organizational policies and ensures all Authority activities are implemented within established policies, guidelines, laws and ethnical standards. What makes Saint Paul? I think the neighborhoods are what make Saint Paul unique. The coffee houses and specialty shops give the neighborhoods a unique and distinct flavor. We’re also fortunate to be a diverse community which accounts for the great ethnic restaurants that are sprinkled throughout the city.

  Eric Willems, Chief Financial Officer
651.265.4822
[email protected]

Eric serves as chief financial officer and directs financial affairs of the CVA. He also directs financial management procedures, prepares financial statements and reports and manages accounting personnel. What makes Saint Paul? Its small town feel with a downtown that is accessible and easy to walk. Saint Paul's small town feel also comes from the fact that it has strong neighborhoods and strong citizen participation in community affairs. Saint Paul is truly a wonderful place to live, work and play.

...
651.265.4822
[email protected]

Eric serves as chief financial officer and directs financial affairs of the CVA. He also directs financial management procedures, prepares financial statements and reports and manages accounting personnel. What makes Saint Paul? Its small town feel with a downtown that is accessible and easy to walk. Saint Paul's small town feel also comes from the fact that it has strong neighborhoods and strong citizen participation in community affairs. Saint Paul is truly a wonderful place to live, work and play.

  Deb Kelly, Accountant
651.265.4916
[email protected]

Deb works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on the day to day financial operations of the Authority.  She is responsible for both accounts receivable and payable.  Deb also works closely with the VP of Membership and provides principal administrative support to the membership department. What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy the quality of life and the wonderful amenities Saint Paul has to offer its residents and visitors. I like being part of a big community with a small town feel.

...
651.265.4916
[email protected]

Deb works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on the day to day financial operations of the Authority.  She is responsible for both accounts receivable and payable.  Deb also works closely with the VP of Membership and provides principal administrative support to the membership department. What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy the quality of life and the wonderful amenities Saint Paul has to offer its residents and visitors. I like being part of a big community with a small town feel.

  Jamie Whelan, Executive Assistant and Board Administrator
651.265.4866
[email protected]

Jamie is the Executive Assistant to President & CEO Karolyn Kirchgesler.  Along with scheduling she is responsible for board relations and other office administrative work.

...
651.265.4866
[email protected]

Jamie is the Executive Assistant to President & CEO Karolyn Kirchgesler.  Along with scheduling she is responsible for board relations and other office administrative work.

  Lorrie Larson, Receptionist
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Lorrie is the first point of contact for many people who visit or call in to our office.  She is full of helpful information about things to do and see in Saint Paul.  She also assists various departments in specific projects including the distribution of Visitor Guides to potential visitors who request them.

...
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Lorrie is the first point of contact for many people who visit or call in to our office.  She is full of helpful information about things to do and see in Saint Paul.  She also assists various departments in specific projects including the distribution of Visitor Guides to potential visitors who request them.

Convention Sales

  Jane Lewis, Vice President of Convention Sales - Interim
651-265-4936
[email protected]

Jane sells Saint Paul to national and regional meeting planners to produce leads for Convention Sales Mangers.  Jane is also in charge of planning and coordinating the CVA’s annual Holiday party, “Taste of Saint Paul.” What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy working and living in Saint Paul.  I like to walk to our neighborhood grocery store and shops. I also enjoy walking and biking along the beautiful Mississippi River.  Saint Paul is a walkable charming city!

...
651-265-4936
[email protected]

Jane sells Saint Paul to national and regional meeting planners to produce leads for Convention Sales Mangers.  Jane is also in charge of planning and coordinating the CVA’s annual Holiday party, “Taste of Saint Paul.” What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy working and living in Saint Paul.  I like to walk to our neighborhood grocery store and shops. I also enjoy walking and biking along the beautiful Mississippi River.  Saint Paul is a walkable charming city!

  Amanda Pasek, Convention Sales Manager
651.265.4908
[email protected]

Amanda sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the nation.  She is responsible for booking conventions in Saint Paul from the scientific/engineering/technical/computer, agricultural/commodities, environmental, manufacturing/distribution, ethnic, militarily reunion/patriot and veterans clubs/heritage and entertainment markets. What makes Saint Paul? I like how safe, clean and walkable the city is.

...
651.265.4908
[email protected]

Amanda sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the nation.  She is responsible for booking conventions in Saint Paul from the scientific/engineering/technical/computer, agricultural/commodities, environmental, manufacturing/distribution, ethnic, militarily reunion/patriot and veterans clubs/heritage and entertainment markets. What makes Saint Paul? I like how safe, clean and walkable the city is.

  Dawn Rough, Convention Sales Manager
651.265.4903
[email protected]

Dawn sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the nation.  Dawn handles the health & medical, religious, cultural, fine arts, libraries, fraternal, hobby and vocational markets.  What makes Saint Paul? The historic feel of Saint Paul combined with our great location on the Mississippi River is really what makes it such a beautiful city.

...
651.265.4903
[email protected]

Dawn sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the nation.  Dawn handles the health & medical, religious, cultural, fine arts, libraries, fraternal, hobby and vocational markets.  What makes Saint Paul? The historic feel of Saint Paul combined with our great location on the Mississippi River is really what makes it such a beautiful city.

  Eric Satre, Convention Sales Manager
651.265.4928
[email protected]

Eric sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the US.  Eric handles the education, government and labor union markets. What makes Saint Paul? It is a beautiful city in the perfect river setting with much to see and do at a convenience that can’t be matched. All this with friendly Midwestern flavor!

...
651.265.4928
[email protected]

Eric sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow venue to various meeting planners throughout the US.  Eric handles the education, government and labor union markets. What makes Saint Paul? It is a beautiful city in the perfect river setting with much to see and do at a convenience that can’t be matched. All this with friendly Midwestern flavor!

  Margot D. Zweber, Convention Sales Manager
651.265.4910
[email protected]

Margot sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow destination to various meeting planners throughout the nation. She is responsible for booking conventions in Saint Paul from the insurance, tourism/hospitality, corporate, financial and Xcel Energy sporting events/sports markets. What makes Saint Paul? It’s beautiful historic buildings, parks, and European flair.

...
651.265.4910
[email protected]

Margot sells Saint Paul as a convention and tradeshow destination to various meeting planners throughout the nation. She is responsible for booking conventions in Saint Paul from the insurance, tourism/hospitality, corporate, financial and Xcel Energy sporting events/sports markets. What makes Saint Paul? It’s beautiful historic buildings, parks, and European flair.

  Jaclyn Warne, Convention Sales Coordinator
651.265.4907
[email protected]

Jaclyn provides general administrative support to the sales and service staff and helps coordinate convention sales activities. What makes Saint Paul? The beautiful scenery of the bluffs and the Mississippi River. Also, the unique shopping on Grand Avenue, Macy's in downtown and the antique shops along West 7th Street.

...
651.265.4907
[email protected]

Jaclyn provides general administrative support to the sales and service staff and helps coordinate convention sales activities. What makes Saint Paul? The beautiful scenery of the bluffs and the Mississippi River. Also, the unique shopping on Grand Avenue, Macy's in downtown and the antique shops along West 7th Street.

Marketing Department

  Adam Johnson, Interim Vice President of Marketing
651.265.4904
[email protected]

Adam is responsible for managing tourism activities, such as website development, marketing projects, events and promotions. Adam also assists with the annual marketing plan and looks for new advertising opportunities for the CVA.   What makes Saint Paul? It's nickname, Saint Small, says it all. The person you see in line at the grocery store, could be the same person behind you a week later in a neighborhood restaurant and that could be the same person in a meeting of yours for work two weeks later. It's small and friendly and a great City.

...
651.265.4904
[email protected]

Adam is responsible for managing tourism activities, such as website development, marketing projects, events and promotions. Adam also assists with the annual marketing plan and looks for new advertising opportunities for the CVA.   What makes Saint Paul? It's nickname, Saint Small, says it all. The person you see in line at the grocery store, could be the same person behind you a week later in a neighborhood restaurant and that could be the same person in a meeting of yours for work two weeks later. It's small and friendly and a great City.

  Michael Hernandez, Group Sales Manager
651.265.4906
[email protected]

Michael's role with the CVA is to provide event planners with all they need to ensure a successful event in Saint Paul, as well as promoting Saint Paul as a destination to the group tour market. What makes Saint Paul? The preserved history and friendliness of its residents makes Saint Paul a great place to visit, work, and live.

...
651.265.4906
[email protected]

Michael's role with the CVA is to provide event planners with all they need to ensure a successful event in Saint Paul, as well as promoting Saint Paul as a destination to the group tour market. What makes Saint Paul? The preserved history and friendliness of its residents makes Saint Paul a great place to visit, work, and live.

  Pat Laurel, Publications/Graphics Coordinator
651.265.4921
[email protected]

Pat manages the design, formatting, layout and production of CVA promotional materials.  He is also responsible for keeping the CVA photo gallery fresh and up-to-date. What makes Saint Paul? Saint Paul is a modern metropolitan city with a small, hometown feel.

...
651.265.4921
[email protected]

Pat manages the design, formatting, layout and production of CVA promotional materials.  He is also responsible for keeping the CVA photo gallery fresh and up-to-date. What makes Saint Paul? Saint Paul is a modern metropolitan city with a small, hometown feel.

  Lorrie Larson, Marketing Coordinator
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Lorrie is the first point of contact for many people who visit or call in to our office.  She is full of helpful information about things to do and see in Saint Paul.  She also assists various departments in specific projects including the distribution of Visitor Guides to potential visitors who request them.

...
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Lorrie is the first point of contact for many people who visit or call in to our office.  She is full of helpful information about things to do and see in Saint Paul.  She also assists various departments in specific projects including the distribution of Visitor Guides to potential visitors who request them.

  Herb Weber, Delivery Coordinator - Part time
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Herb is responsible for bulk shipping and delivering CVA brochures to all state travel information centers, convention and member requests. He also manages activities relating to CVA storage space and inventory tracking. What makes Saint Paul? Saint Paul is very proud of its history; it is reflected in the gangster tours, the Mississippi River boat rides and preservation efforts made throughout the city.

...
651.265.4900
[email protected]

Herb is responsible for bulk shipping and delivering CVA brochures to all state travel information centers, convention and member requests. He also manages activities relating to CVA storage space and inventory tracking. What makes Saint Paul? Saint Paul is very proud of its history; it is reflected in the gangster tours, the Mississippi River boat rides and preservation efforts made throughout the city.

Membership & Convention Services

  Tricia Mattes, VP of Membership
651.265.4909
[email protected]

Oversees the day-to-day activities and supervises the training and development of membership staff.  Directs and manages all programs relating to Authority membership.  Responsible for creating a partnership between the Authority and the commercial and private sectors of the community.  Plans, develops and implements CVA membership sales, services and retention programs. Sells advertising in publications and online, and creates member-to-member networking events. What makes Saint Paul? The friendliness and loyalty make Saint Paul what it is. The majority of people I have become friends with from Saint Paul will never leave.

...
651.265.4909
[email protected]

Oversees the day-to-day activities and supervises the training and development of membership staff.  Directs and manages all programs relating to Authority membership.  Responsible for creating a partnership between the Authority and the commercial and private sectors of the community.  Plans, develops and implements CVA membership sales, services and retention programs. Sells advertising in publications and online, and creates member-to-member networking events. What makes Saint Paul? The friendliness and loyalty make Saint Paul what it is. The majority of people I have become friends with from Saint Paul will never leave.

  Merry Beckmann Butikis, Membership & Convention Services
651.265.4857
[email protected]

Merry’s time is split between two departments, membership and convention services.  Her membership duties include working closely with CVA members by providing them with potential business opportunities and membership updates.  Merry also organizes our customer STAR service program and assists with convention services.  What makes Saint Paul? The small town feel of a large city. I grew up in a small community in southern Minnesota and Saint Paul and its residents give me the same comfortable feeling I had back then. The people are friendly and genuinely interested in your well being. I also love the way Saint Paul manages and maintains the historical community within the context of the 21st century.

...
651.265.4857
[email protected]

Merry’s time is split between two departments, membership and convention services.  Her membership duties include working closely with CVA members by providing them with potential business opportunities and membership updates.  Merry also organizes our customer STAR service program and assists with convention services.  What makes Saint Paul? The small town feel of a large city. I grew up in a small community in southern Minnesota and Saint Paul and its residents give me the same comfortable feeling I had back then. The people are friendly and genuinely interested in your well being. I also love the way Saint Paul manages and maintains the historical community within the context of the 21st century.

  Michael Hernandez, Group Sales Manager
651.265.4906
[email protected]

Michael's role with the CVA is to provide event planners with all they need to ensure a successful event in Saint Paul, as well as promoting Saint Paul as a destination to the group tour market. What makes Saint Paul? The preserved history and friendliness of its residents makes Saint Paul a great place to visit, work, and live.

...
651.265.4906
[email protected]

Michael's role with the CVA is to provide event planners with all they need to ensure a successful event in Saint Paul, as well as promoting Saint Paul as a destination to the group tour market. What makes Saint Paul? The preserved history and friendliness of its residents makes Saint Paul a great place to visit, work, and live.

  Deb Kelly, Accountant
651.265.4916
[email protected]

Deb works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on the day to day financial operations of the Authority.  She is responsible for both accounts receivable and payable.  Deb also works closely with the VP of Membership and provides principal administrative support to the membership department. What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy the quality of life and the wonderful amenities Saint Paul has to offer its residents and visitors. I like being part of a big community with a small town feel.

...
651.265.4916
[email protected]

Deb works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on the day to day financial operations of the Authority.  She is responsible for both accounts receivable and payable.  Deb also works closely with the VP of Membership and provides principal administrative support to the membership department. What makes Saint Paul? I enjoy the quality of life and the wonderful amenities Saint Paul has to offer its residents and visitors. I like being part of a big community with a small town feel.