Ashleigh Bachert, Executive Director
Ashleigh Bachert joined the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau as Executive Director in 2023. With extensive experience in tourism and sports marketing, she previously held leadership roles as Vice President of Tourism Operations at Tulsa Regional Tourism and Executive Director of the Durham and Jacksonville-Onslow Sports Commissions.
Ashleigh holds a Bachelor’s in Sports Marketing from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s in Sport Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is also a certified Sports Tourism Strategist and has earned recognition, including Triangle Business Journal's 40 Under 40 and the Connect Game Changer Award.
In Fort Smith, Ashleigh oversees financial operations and strategic projects such as the development of an indoor sports facility and visitor center. She is passionate about boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for residents through tourism.
Outside of work, she enjoys coaching softball and reading. Ashleigh is driven by her commitment to building successful tourism initiatives and developing talent within her team.
Amy Jones, Director of Sales
Amy Jones serves as the Director of Sales at Discover Fort Smith (the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau) where she oversees the sales department’s strategic efforts, drives team motivation, and ensures exceptional client service. With a strong ability to communicate, present, and influence at all organizational levels, Amy excels in building and maintaining key client relationships.
A proud advocate for Fort Smith, she is passionate about attracting new business and fostering lasting partnerships within the community. Amy's dedication and expertise earned her the prestigious Arkansas Society of Association Executives Partner of the Year award in 2024. She also holds a certificate in Sports Tourism Training (STS) and completed the Citizens Police Academy in 2015.
A native of the area, Amy attended Carl Albert State College and Westark (now UAFS). Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, relaxing at her lake house, and spending quality time with her family.
Paige Mathews, Sales Coordinator
As a Sales Coordinator at the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, Paige Mathews works to attract and coordinate sporting and hobby events to the city of Fort Smith.
With a background in sales, social media management, and customer engagement, she brings valuable experience from previous roles at Outdoor Cap, Shop Persnickety, Heritage Group Real Estate Co., and Creative Kitchen.
Paige holds a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Merchandising and Product Development from the University of Arkansas, where she was recognized on multiple Dean’s Lists and was a member of the Arkansas Cheer Team.
Outside of work, Paige is an avid runner who has completed two half marathons and enjoys attending Razorback sporting events and spending time with her dogs, Goose and Margot.
Olan James, Experiences Manager
Olan James proudly serves as the Sales and Experiences Coordinator here at the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. He infuses years of expertise in marketing and communications to assist businesses, government entities, and community organizations with creating exceptional conventions, meetings, and events here in the River Valley.
A native of Fort Smith, Mr. James has a desire to make this area one of the premiere destinations for travel in the South. He holds a master’s degree from John Brown University and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Memphis. He is a graduate of Leadership Fort Smith, Fort Smith Police Department’s Citizens Academy, and was selected as the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year in 2018.
Lolly Swicegood, Experiences Coordinator
With a background as a professional musician, songwriter, and painter, Lolly Swicegood brings unmatched creative energy to Fort Smith’s visitor experience. A graduate of TCU with a BFA, she’s shared stages with industry greats and now channels her talents into making Fort Smith shine.
Formerly an Administrative Specialist at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Lolly blends organization with imagination to help every event and encounter leave a lasting impression. Most recently, she helped host a flawless Great American Division II Basketball Conference. Passionate about Fort Smith’s rich history and vibrant future, Lolly’s favorite part of the job is connecting with people — and finding joy in the unique stories that make this city special.
Emily Horn, Director of Marketing
Emily Horn joined the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2024 as Content Manager. Prior to this, she worked as an Elementary Educator, a Technology Integrator, and a School Principal. After more than 12 years of K-12 experience, Emily transitioned into a communications role at a nonprofit ed tech association to further her passion for creative content development and strategy.
Emily holds a bachelor’s degree in communication, a master’s degree in elementary education, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. In her current role, she works closely with the marketing and sales teams to develop and implement creative strategies that promote Fort Smith as an attractive place to visit, live, and work. Her expertise includes copywriting, blogging, content creation, digital marketing, SEO, social media and content strategy, and community relationship building.
Passionate about learning and exploration, Emily is motivated by showcasing all that Fort Smith’s has to offer and by supporting her colleagues' amazing work. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, attending concerts and plays, and experiencing art and history through museums.
Joanna Hernandez, Social Media Coordinator
Joanna Hernandez joined the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2024 as the Social Media Intern and is now Social Media Coordinator. Prior to this role, she worked as a Social Media Manager for an animation company in Fayetteville, AR, focusing on B2B content, and as a Graphic Design Intern for The Bluebird Company in Rogers, AR.
Joanna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and an Associate of Arts Degree, both from the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. In her current role, she collaborates closely with the marketing team to create and implement social media strategies. Her work includes the coordination, content creation, and scheduling of social media content and getting out into the community to document everything great about Fort Smith.
Known for her creativity and collaborative spirit, Joanna’s expertise spans graphic design, photography, and videography. Passionate about highlighting Fort Smith’s potential, she is motivated by her desire to shift perceptions and foster community engagement through her work.
Outside of the office, Joanna enjoys hiking, working out, and spending time with friends creating art.
Miles McClish, Marketing & Communications Intern
Miles McClish is the Marketing Intern at the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he supports the marketing department with a variety of projects and goals. Currently finishing his Graphic Design degree at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, Miles specializes in user experience and visual design. A longtime Fort Smith resident, he is passionate about Fort Smith, supporting local businesses, and expanding the city's reach and brand awareness through effective design and digital strategies.
