Tourism Commission Members

Greg Willitts is President and partner at FivePine Lodge and Spa in Sisters. FivePine was a family effort, planned, designed and constructed by Greg and his parents. Greg has served as a board member and President for the Sisters Area Chamber and an advisor, sponsor and volunteer for some of Central Oregon's most renowned events: the state's largest MTB race, Sisters Stampede, the Fresh Hop Festival and host of the Happy Girls Run in FivePine's backyard, the Deschutes National Forest.

Travis Hill brings over 25 years of expertise to the tourism and hospitality industry. As Chief Operating Officer at Umpqua Indian Development Corporation (UIDC), he plays a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion, while also overseeing operations for nine businesses of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, including the notable Seven Feathers Casino Resort. Travis is a recognized leader who actively participates in various working groups, such as the Oregon Tribes Economic Development & Community Services and Travel Oregon’s Tribal Tourism, championing economic development alongside sustainable and responsible tourism practices. A Southern Oregon native, Travis resides in Roseburg, relishing the outdoors, cherishing time with family and actively supporting regional charitable events and organizations.

Lucinda DiNovo began her career in the gaming and hospitality industry 22 years ago. She is the Director of Sales and Events for The Mill Casino • Hotel & RV Park owned and operated by The Coquille Indian Tribe in North Bend, Oregon. Lucinda has a degree in Business Management and Marketing from Oregon State University. She is a Coos Bay City Councilor, Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau Board Member, Past President of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow, and has served on numerous boards including the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association, Board of Trustees for Coos History Museum, Steering Committee Member for the foundation of Travel Southern Oregon Coast, and Advisory Committee Member for the International Port of Coos Bay.

Heather Miller is the General Manager of Accommodations for The Ground in Yamhill County. The Ground strives to connect farm, food and people through hospitality. Heather has served as a board member for the McMinnville Downtown Association, McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, Carlton Business Association and the Yamhill Downtown Association. Heather was awarded Oregon Main Street Board Member of the Year in 2022 for her leadership of the McMinnville Downtown Association during the pandemic. Heather resides in Carlton and is an avid adventure seeker and lover of the outdoors.

Nick Pearson is the General Manager of Jupiter Hotel and Jupiter NEXT in Portland, a managing partner of Motolodge in downtown Pendleton and co-owner of the Portland Metro food truck chain MidCity SmashedBurger. He currently serves on the board of Travel Pendleton and is the past chair of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association's government affairs committee. After graduating with a degree in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Nick started in the industry as a housekeeper at Timberline Lodge and has spent the last 17 years working in nearly every operational position across the hotel and restaurant industries. In his free time Nick likes to get out and ski, enjoy Portland's dining scene and traveling with his wife and daughter.

Tessa Peterson is a hospitality executive and General Manager of The Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. With more than two decades of experience in hospitality, tourism, and destination marketing, Tessa has built her career around creating exceptional guest experiences while strengthening the communities and destinations she serves. A lifelong Oregonian and longtime leader in the state’s tourism industry, Tessa brings a unique perspective that connects hospitality, business, and community. She has served in leadership roles with the Portland Metro Chamber and as Chair of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, and is passionate about bringing people together, finding common ground, and creating meaningful partnerships that move Oregon forward.

Samara Phelps is the President & CEO of Travel Lane County, bringing 19 years of leadership in destination management, tourism development and organizational strategy. Samara has led transformational tourism initiatives that enhance quality of life and support local businesses.
She began her tourism career in visitor services with Travel Lane County and most recently served as Executive Director of Clackamas County Tourism and on the county’s executive management team, aligning tourism with identified economic development needs and community wellbeing. She also championed regional collaborations in the Portland, Willamette Valley and Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge regions.
Samara holds a BA in General Science and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Oregon. She is a graduate of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy and the Chinook Institute for Civic Leadership. A lifelong learner and a values-driven leader, Samara is deeply committed to sustainability, inclusion, and vibrant communities. Currently serving statewide as Chair of the Oregon Destination Association, Samara leads with a vision for a resilient, community-centered tourism economy that benefits all Oregonians.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the tourism industry, Jenifer brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in rural Oregon. Her dedication to promoting Oregon's natural beauty and cultural heritage has fueled her passion for sustainable tourism that supports local economies and enhances community livability. Jenifer owns and operates Crater Lake Zipline located in the Klamath Basin. She continues her family's legacy by working alongside her husband and two adult children.

Expected to be filled September 2026.