Submit photos through October 6 to be used in our visitor center murals!

Help us showcase the past, present, and future of Fort Smith! Be a part of our visitor center murals. They'll be made up of hundreds of community photos of people and places around Fort Smith. Submit your photos by October 6! 

Share your snapshots!

Meet the Staff

Ashleigh Bachert is the Executive Director of the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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 is the Director of Sales at the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Amy Jones, Director of Sales


 

 Olan James is the Experience and Sales Coordinator at the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

Olan James, Sales & Experiences Coordinator

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.


 

Headshot of Emily Horn, Fort Smith CVB Content Manager

Emily Horn, Content Manager

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 is the Social Media Coordinator at the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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.


 

Angel Tracy is the Office Manager at the Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Angel Tracy, Office Manager

Angel has come all the way to Arkansas from Durango CO. She has been with the CVB since November of 2022 and brings with her a diverse wealth of knowledge that serves her well in her role as office manager for the CVB. 

Angel has always had a passion for history and is honored to be able to share the history of Commercial Row and the stories of the women with Fort Smith Visitors. She has committed to researching the history of Miss Laura's and the women who worked here and in this profession. 

Angel is a mother of 2 great humans and is an avid urban gardener with a passion for natural resource conservation.