THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA VISTORS BUREAU RELEASE
Longtime marketing lead steps into top role, aims to boost tourism, growth
Danville, IL – September 11, 2025 – The Danville Area Visitors Bureau (DAVB) proudly announces the appointment of Rhonda Ellis as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. A familiar face in the region’s tourism landscape, Ellis previously served as the Marketing and Sales Administrator for the DAVB for 11 years. She steps into the leadership role following the retirement of longtime director Jeanie Cooke, who led the organization for more than three decades.
Ellis has been instrumental in shaping the bureau’s tourism and event marketing for more than a decade, playing a hands-on role in some of Vermilion County’s most recognized events, including NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships, Balloons Over Vermilion, and the American Legion State Golf Tournament. In her new role, she will lead the organization’s mission to increase tourism, support local businesses, and elevate Danville and Vermilion County as premier travel destinations in the Midwest.
“We are thrilled to have Rhonda step into this leadership position,” said Gary Hackler, President of the DAVB Board. “Her deep knowledge of our region, her proven passion for promoting local events, and her strategic vision make her the ideal person to guide the bureau into its next chapter.”
Ellis succeeds Jeanie Cooke, who retires after 32 years of service at the helm of the bureau. Under Cooke’s leadership, DAVB grew into a cornerstone of Danville’s cultural and economic development, helping attract major events, support local arts organizations, and bolster small business growth.
“Jeanie has impacted Vermilion County in so many ways during her time as the leader of the DAVB,” said Mike Hulvey, Vice Chair of the National Junior College Athletic Association DII Men’s National Tournament. “The NJCAA is a living testament to the teamwork for community events that she has helped lead, not only here at home but also at NJCAA conventions and national meetings, where she proudly represented Danville and Vermilion County. We thank her for her dedication.”
Tourism continues to be a powerful economic engine for Vermilion County, with visitor spending reaching $43.7 million in 2023 and supporting more than 270 local jobs, according to the Illinois Office of Tourism. Under Ellis’s leadership, the DAVB is poised to expand those efforts and promote Danville as a top-tier travel destination.
About Danville Area Visitors Bureau (DAVB)
The Danville Area Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting tourism, economic development, and community pride in Danville and throughout Vermilion County, Illinois. Through strategic marketing, event partnerships, and visitor services, DAVB helps showcase the region’s unique attractions, cultural heritage, and small-town hospitality.
FACEBOOK
Please join us in welcoming Rhonda Ellis as our new Executive Director! After 11 years as our Marketing & Sales Administrator, Rhonda steps into this role with unmatched experience and passion for promoting Danville and Vermilion County. We also extend our deepest thanks to Jeanie Cooke, who retires after an incredible three decades of service and immeasurable impact on our community. 💙
[Link to full news release]
#DanvilleIL #VermilionCounty #VisitDanvilleArea
TWITTER
🚨 New leadership at VisitDanvilleIL! Rhonda Ellis has been named Executive Director of the Danville Area Visitors Bureau, following Jeanie Cooke’s retirement. Ellis brings more than a decade of event and tourism expertise to the role.
[Link to full news release]
#DanvilleIL #VermilionCounty #VisitDanvilleArea #WomenInLeadership
