About Us
Who We Are
The Buchanan County Tourism Board, also known as the St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), is dedicated to showcasing the best of Buchanan County, Missouri. Since our founding by local voters in 1993, we’ve been on a mission to attract visitors from near and far, welcoming leisure travelers, groups, sports enthusiasts and meeting planners to explore the historic town of St. Joseph.
Meet the Team
Marci Bennett
Executive Director
Amy Leonard
Director of Visitor Relations
Cherish Sansonetti
Director of Administration
Jolene Dempster
Convention/Services Manager
Brett Esely
Director of Development & St. Jo, Sports Commission
Kay Goodman & Bill Alexander
Visitor Information Specialists
Christian Mengel
Director of Communications & Marketing
Mary Supple
Director of Sales/Sports Marketing Sales
Gary Smith
Digital Marketing & Event Management Director
Meet the Board
Ryan Dowell
President
Cindy Daffron
Vice President
Ron Taylor
Secretary/Treasurer
John Josendale
Member
Jeff McMillian
Member
Marshall White
Member
Bob Ford
Member
Ron Hook
Member
2026 Board Meeting Dates
The Buchanan County Tourism Board meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3pm (unless otherwise posted) at 911 Frederick Ave. Times and locations are subject to change. Please call 816-233-6688 to confirm.
January 28, 2026
February 25, 2026
March 25, 2026
April 22, 2026
May 27, 2026
June 24, 2026
July 22, 2026
August 26, 2026
September 23, 2026
October 28, 2026
November 25, 2026
December 23, 2026
Meeting dates subject to change.
Our Impact
Tourism makes a massive difference in St. Joseph. In 2024 alone, Buchanan County generated $237 million in direct tourism-related expenditures, as reported by the Missouri Department of Revenue. With so much history, culture, and energy to offer visitors, we remain committed to pushing the envelope and sharing St. Joseph with the world.
What We Do for Visitors
We partner with local businesses and organizations to enhance the visitor experience by improving amenities, supporting exciting new attractions and celebrating the rich history that makes St. Joseph a must-visit destination. Whether it’s walking in the footsteps of the Pony Express or exploring our modern attractions, we’re here to make every visit memorable.