Our Team

Dave joined Explore Tualatin June 1, 2021. Dave was the president of Meet Chicago Northwest for more than a decade. During his term, the organization was recognized as “Best Chicagoland CVB in Illinois” in 2017 and 2019. During his time at Meet Chicago Northwest he was recognized as Business Leader of the Year by the Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce and twice nominated for Business Leader of the Year by the Arlington Heights Chamber. A 30-year hospitality professional, he previously worked as a hotel executive for Starwood and Hilton branded hotels in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Minneapolis and Washington, DC. A native of Western Pennsylvania, he holds Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business Management from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Claire Fisher is no stranger to the marketing industry. Prior to joining Explore Tualatin Valley’s (ETV) team in July of 2024, Claire spent her career agency-side, working with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) as well as travel and tourism clients. She led numerous clients through integrated campaign development and launches, providing ongoing support for their social and creative needs. Outside of the marketing world, travel has always been a passion for Claire – as meeting new people and experiencing different cultures enriches her life and perspective in invaluable ways. When she’s not working, Claire also loves to be outdoors. Whether taking a quick walk with her dog, hitting some balls at the driving range, or enjoying her stand-up paddleboard or snowboard, she finds peace and rejuvenation in outdoor activities.

Sylke joined Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV) June 2007, serves as editor-in-chief and is responsible for all marketing initiatives, including media relations, advertising and online content. She is an avid theater buff and serves on the boards of two local arts organizations, and she serves on the board of directors for SATW (formerly Society of American Travel Writers) as an associate-at-large. An accredited public relations practitioner with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Sylke has more than 25 years of tourism public relations and marketing experience. Before joining the ETV, she worked for a number of tourism-related businesses, including high-profile casino resorts and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

Daniel Gering has been in the forefront of the internet and technology world since 2001. For 15 years he was the Marketing Technologist for Oregon’s Mt Hood Territory. He joined the team at the Explore Tualatin Valley as their Digital Marketing Manager in 2022. He is a born and bred Oregonian and would be hard-pressed to live anywhere else. He enjoys sharing his deep-rooted tourism marketing knowledge with community partners throughout the Northwest. In his free time, Daniel enjoys anything Disney Park-related and is an avid RVer, and has traveled widely in the US and parts of Asia. To best understand the traveler is to be one himself.

Chris joined Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV) in January 2011 as graphic designer. He designs all of the WCVA’s print and online ads, as well as marketing collateral. Chris is a native Oregonian, but spent the last 20 years living and working as a graphic designer in New York City. During his time in the Big Apple, he earned his Associate degree in occupational studies in graphic design from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from the School of Visual Arts. When Chris isn’t designing he can be found reading comic books, visiting art galleries and creating art projects.

Wendy Popkin joined the organization as Vice President of Destination Sales in November 2021. She leads the organization’s direct group sales efforts to meeting professionals, sports organizers and travel professionals. Popkin brings more than 30 years of tourism expertise to the organization. She most recently was executive director of the Oregon Hospitality Foundation, a role she held for nine years. Previously, Popkin was principle of Popkin Solutions and has held sales leadership positions with Travel Portland, The Hotel Group, Salish Lodge and Spa, The Inn at Semi-ah-moo and Timberline Lodge. A native of Beaverton, Ore., she is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Studies, with Mortar Board Honors. She is a member of the first cohort of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (2020-2021) and has held leadership positions with Meeting Professionals International and served as President with Oregon HSMAI.

Nicole Bradin joined the Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV) team November 2021 as community engagement director. Prior to joining the team, she served as a client success manager at Bandwango, where she worked with destination marketing clients throughout the country. Nicole also spent more than nine years at Sonoma County Tourism in Santa Rosa, California. Prior to returning to California, Nicole spent 16 years in New York City working in the entertainment industry and running her own consulting business. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre arts from Sonoma State University and a Master of Fine Arts in theatre arts from Rutgers University.

In July 2023, Ariel leaped into the role of Executive Office Manager at Explore Tualatin Valley (ETV), bringing with her a wealth of over 15 years of dynamic hospitality experience. Her background spans from bustling restaurants and Hilton Hotels to the fascinating Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI) and the Oregon Symphony. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ariel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University before making the exciting move to Oregon. When she’s not working at ETV, you can catch her soaking up live music, cheering on her favorite sports teams, or savoring a glass of wine at one of her favorite wineries.