Visit Independence Announces First-Ever Executive Director

Allison Calvin brings a decade of experience in destination marketing in the Kansas City metro to Harry Truman’s Hometown. Calvin joins Visit Independence from eXplore Lawrence (Kansas), where she has served as the Director of Marketing and Communications since 2023. Calvin previously held roles with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce and Visit Overland Park, both in Kansas.

"We are excited for Allison Calvin to lead Visit Independence," said Charlie Dissell, President of the Board of Directors for Visit Independence. "Her expertise and vision will be instrumental in establishing our organization and promoting the unique attractions and rich history of Independence.”

"I am honored to join Visit Independence and look forward to working with the community, the Kansas City region, and Missouri Tourism to highlight all that Independence has to offer," said Calvin. "Together, we will create compelling experiences for visitors and foster a sense of pride among residents. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and am committed to making Independence a top destination for travelers."

During her tenure at eXplore Lawrence, Calvin elevated Lawrence’s profile as a vibrant, welcoming destination, driving measurable tourism growth and increased community engagement. Under her leadership, ExploreLawrence.com saw a 20% increase in website users and more than 2 million website actions. Social media engagement doubled, and digital advertising campaigns saw a 15% increase in conversion to website visits.

Calvin also secured grant funding to develop a mobile visitor center that incorporates immersive, technology-driven experiences to attract potential travelers.

Dissell added, “under her leadership, we are confident Visit Independence will thrive and become a key driver of economic growth for our city."

The City of Independence is at a pivotal moment as it enhances its tourism offerings and attracts visitors for the World Cup in 2026 and the City’s upcoming bicentennial in 2027. Calvin’s experience and familiarity with the region were instrumental to her hiring, less than 11 months before the first FIFA World Cup soccer game begins.

The City of Independence is proud to be the start of many Great American Stories. It is the start of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails and the hometown of Missouri's beloved President Harry S. Truman, and the fifth largest city in both Missouri and the Kansas City metro with over 120,000 residents. The City of Independence offers many great attractions, such as the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum and National Historic Site, the Cable Dahmer Arena, the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Harvey M. Vaile Mansion, the Mid-Continent Public Library Genealogy Center, the Historic Independence Square, and the Englewood Arts District, as well as more than 1,600 hotel rooms to host visitors of these sites.

“Independence is well-positioned to showcase its diverse cultural heritage, historic sites, and vibrant community events,” added Calvin. “I’m ready for the world to see what Independence has and be a leader in the Missouri tourism industry.”Calvin's first day will be Monday, July 28, 2025.

Visit Independence was formed in December 2024 with the mission to promote and enhance the tourism experience in Independence, Missouri. As a non-profit organization, it aims to drive economic impact through tourism, support local businesses, and celebrate the city's unique character and history.