July 29, 2026—Kalispell, Montana
With the recent retirement of longtime Executive Director Diane Medler, Discover Kalispell is delighted to welcome Marisa Mikonis as its Managing Director.
A new position, the Managing Director is the operational leader of Discover Kalispell and executes the organization’s strategic plan and mission – which includes strengthening Kalispell’s visitor economy and enhancing quality of life for locals – working closely with the President/CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce & Discover Kalispell. Mikonis was the Marketing & Communication Manager for Discover Kalispell from November 2021-June 2024.
“There’s something special about welcoming back someone who already knows and loves this destination,” said Lorraine Clarno, President/CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce & Discover Kalispell. “She returns to Discover Kalispell with valuable experience, expanded expertise and an even deeper understanding of our industry. We’re confident she will be an incredible addition to our team as we enter this next phase for Discover Kalispell.”
As Managing Director, Mikonis coordinates and implement destination marketing, tourism development, industry engagement, supports visitor services, oversees and implements grants, conducts research and reporting, manages agency and vendor relationships, coordinates marketing campaigns and directs collateral, provides support for the Tourism Business Improvement District Board and manages platforms, as well as a variety of other job responsibilities.
“Coming back to Discover Kalispell is an incredible opportunity,” said Mikonis. “I’m grateful to be here and look forward to building upon the strong foundation that’s already in place as we strategically inspire travel to Kalispell and northwest Montana, while supporting the local business community and improving residents’ quality of life.”
Mikonis has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She brings five years of marketing experience to this position, including from Discover Davis in Utah where she was the Sports & Convention Marketing Coordinator and as a Senior Project Manager at Windfall, Inc. in Missoula, Montana, where she worked on a variety of campaigns for clients. Areas of expertise include analytics and reporting, branded content, destination marketing and event planning.
More information about Discover Kalispell – a destination marketing and stewardship organization tasked with promoting and protecting Kalispell – can be found at DiscoverKalispell.com
# # #
About Discover Kalispell
Discover Kalispell, the Kalispell Convention & Visitor Bureau, is the designated marketing and stewardship organization for the city of Kalispell and is a division of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce. The organization is funded by the state accommodations tax and the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) fee. Anchoring the Flathead Valley, Kalispell is a destination that combines accessible amenities, touchable history and a charming downtown with Montana’s wide-open spaces and endless outdoor recreation. It’s also located within minutes of Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, the Jewel Basin and many public parks and trail systems. More information can be found at DiscoverKalispell.com or on social media at Facebook and Instagram, as well as #DiscoverKalispell and #VentureBoldly.
Contact: Tia Troy
406.529.8314
