ABOUT TUALATIN VALLEY
The Washington County Visitors Association (dba Explore Tualatin Valley) is a non-profit destination marketing and destination development organization (DMO), which markets Washington County, Oregon, as a tourism destination. Part of the Explore Tualatin Valley’s role is to identify and market to out-of-area-visitors, with the mission to increase overnight visitation in Washington County. Visitors to Washington County include: business, leisure and group travelers, meetings, sports and event planners, and tour operators, among others.
Tourism Matters to Tualatin Valley
Tourism Matters to Washington County
About the Explore Tualatin Valley
The Explore Tualatin Valley is a non-profit destination marketing and destination development organization (DMO), which markets Washington County, Oregon, as a tourism destination. Part of the WCVA’s role is to identify and market to out-of-area-visitors, with the mission to increase overnight visitation in Washington County.
Visitors to Washington County include: business, leisure and group travelers, meetings, sports and event planners, and tour operators, among others. As a DMO, the WCVA is charged with reaching these audiences via marketing outreach, which includes advertising, public relations, online marketing and social media, tourism research and other activities, as well as stakeholder and tourism development, group tour and tourism sales, sports sales and more.
Tourism has the potential to further diversify the Washington County economy. Through partnerships with stakeholders, our goal is to establish high-quality visitor experiences that excite, educate and reward visitors and residents alike. We are attuned to the needs of travelers and strive to match them with exceptional and memorable experiences that meet their interests. We view this as a team effort, and as your biggest cheerleaders, we value your partnership.
Visitor Services
As a service to travelers, the WCVA produces an quarterly inspiration guide, publishes destination maps highlighting area attractions and activities, and operates a Visitor Information Center, which provides free information about things to do, places to stay and other activities in Washington County and its surrounding areas. The Visitor Information Center, is located in the lobby of Beaverton City Hall, is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (holidays excluded and hours subject to change).
Tourism Matters
Tourism brings in approximately $723.2 million to the community, and has the potential to further diversify the Washington County economy. Through partnerships with stakeholders, our goal is to establish high-quality visitor experiences that excite, educate and reward visitors and residents alike. We are attuned to the needs of travelers and strive to match them with exceptional and memorable experiences that meet their interests.
Washington County Land Acknowledgement
“We want to acknowledge the people on whose land we live—the Atfalati-Kalapuyans also known as the Tualatin Band of Kalapuyans—the first inhabitants of Washington County. We are grateful for the land we are on, Kalapuyan land.
Signers of the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 were removed from their homelands to the Grand Ronde Indian Reservation. Today their descendants are tribal members of Grand Ronde and Siletz tribes, carrying on the traditions and cultures of their ancestors.”
We view this as a team effort, and as your biggest cheerleaders, we value your partnership.
Team
Staff
Dave Parulo
President and CEO
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.
Claire Fisher
Chief Marketing Officer
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 Neal-Finnegan
Vice President Communications & PR
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
Digital Marketing Manager
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.
Christopher Glawe
Senior Graphic Designer
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.
Anette Gullholm
Marketing and Partnership Coordinator
Anette Gullholm (she/her) joined Explore Tualatin Valley as the marketing and partnerships coordinator in 2025. Before stepping into this role, she was a communications manager at Nordic Northwest (home of Ole Bolle the troll) for five years. Anette earned her degree in Digital Communications and Anthropology from Oregon State University, where she also produced a live music TV show at Orange Media Network. A Washington County native and proud Tigard High School alum (go Tigard Tigers!), Anette is excited to return to her roots and contribute to the local community.
Nicole Bradin
Vice President of Community Engagement
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 May 2025, Nicole was promoted to the position as Vice President of Community Engagement.
Ariel Lessens
Destination Development Manager
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. In May 2025, Ariel was promoted to the position to Destination Development Manager.
Jill Baker
Sales and Services Coordinator
Jill Baker joins Explore Tualatin Valley as the Sales and Service Coordinator, where she is instrumental in seamless execution of sales, marketing and servicing activities by managing logistics, providing administrative support, maintaining accurate records and facilitating partner communication. Jill was previously with Oregonian Media Group, where she was for more than six year.
Dylan Welles
Destination Representative
Dylan Welles is Explore Tualatin Valley’s destination representative and a member of ETV’s sales team. He brings more than six years of experience with NW Event Management Group, Inc., where he most recently served as general manager, overseeing operations and sales for NW Events & Environments, NW Events Rentals, NW Catering and The Venetian Hillsboro. Dylan offers a broad background in special and corporate event planning, marketing and venue management, providing valuable insight into the needs of meeting planners and event professionals. He studied at Kent State University before transferring to Pacific University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in film and video production. He also studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan.
Meet the Board
MEET THE BOARD
The Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) is governed by a Board of Directors, which serves as an advisory board and consists of members of the community who represent various Washington County industries affected by tourism, either directly or indirectly.
Board Chair
Laurine Apolloni, Apolloni Vineyards
Immediate Past Chair
K.L. Wombacher, Hillsboro Hops
Secretary
Tracy Reynolds, Courtyard Portland-Beaverton
Treasurer
Darren Harmon, Bullwinkle’s Entertainment Center (Wilsonville)
Other WCVA Board of Directors members
- Les Davis, Lithtex
- Jim Etzel, Sport Oregon
- Marisa Hoiem, Element Portland/Beaverton
- Josh Johnson, Binary Brewing
- Alex Kircher, Golden Valley Brewing – Beaverton
- Doug Menke, Tualatin Hills Parks & Recreation District
- Dan Murphy, Broadway Rose
- Deanna Palm, Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce
- Mia Ponzi-Hamacher, Sosta House
- Carly Riter, Intel
- Mayor Tim Rosener, City of Sherwood
- Charlie Sitton, Century Hotel
- Commissioner Jason Snider, Washington County
- Steve Winkle, Port of Portland
- Mathea Zietz, McMenamins Grand Lodge
STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW
Explore Tualatin Valley’s FY25–FY27 Strategic Plan outlines a focused vision for growing our region’s visitor economy. Centered on five key objectives—brand elevation, sales growth, destination development, community engagement, and team excellence—the plan reflects our core values and mission to cultivate a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable destination where urban sophistication meets rural authenticity.
ORGANIZATIONAL & MARKETING REPORTS
At Explore Tualatin Valley, our mission is cultivating a thriving destination through approachable and inclusive visitor experiences, sustainable economic impact, and exceptional quality of life. This page shares how our sales and marketing programs, along with our organizational efforts, help raise awareness, foster engagement, and bring visitors to the region. From marketing initiatives to organizational milestones, these reports provide insight into our ongoing work to build a strong and collaborative tourism community.