Lisa Evans – Chair (unopposed)
Hi, I am Lisa Evans, and I am the current First Vice Chair of the Central States Chapter. Prior to that, I was in the position of Secretary/Treasurer. In addition to being a travel writer, I am also a published author. My background is in sales and marketing as well as event management and planning, with some purchasing and budgeting thrown in for good measure. I have been involved with Central States Chapter for the last few years and believe I can make a positive impact on the Chapter and work with our board and chapter members to bring about another perspective on how to move forward during the next two years. Along with keeping to tradition, I firmly believe our chapter could benefit from implementing some changes. I am willing to listen to valid suggestions to see if they are in alignment with Chapter and Society needs and goals. If they do, I will work to the best of my best ability to bring them about. Thank you for taking a moment to read about me and I hope to work with you all at some point.
Erin McCleskey – Second Vice Chair (unopposed)
I am honored to submit my candidacy for Second Vice Chair of the Society of American Travel Writers. Since joining SATW in 2019, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Associate at Large for the Central States Chapter, where I’ve built meaningful relationships and contributed to the chapter’s growth and engagement. I’m excited for the opportunity to deepen my commitment to SATW and help shape its future.
With over two decades of experience in marketing and communications—most of it dedicated to the travel and tourism industry—I bring a strategic mindset and a passion for storytelling. At R&R Partners, I lead earned media efforts for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), where I’ve supported high-impact campaigns and events including the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Super Bowl LVIII, and culinary showcases like The World’s 50 Best and Vegas Uncork’d.
My background also includes roles as a PR Manager at MGM Resorts and a television news producer in both Las Vegas and Reno. Though I transitioned from broadcast years ago, my love for the medium continues to influence my work, helping bring major productions to Las Vegas such as Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Mark!, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Beyond my professional life, I’m committed to community service. I serve on the board of the National Charity League as VP of Communications, where I volunteer alongside my daughter to support local causes.
I’m eager to bring my experience, energy, and collaborative spirit to the role of Second Vice Chair and continue supporting the mission and members of SATW.
Leah DiPietro – Associate at Large (unopposed)
I am proud to have been a member of SATW for nearly a decade, and I truly enjoy serving the members of my chapter and the national organization. I currently serve as the second vice chair for the SATW Central States Chapter, and if elected to this new role of Associate at Large, I will continue my commitment to ensuring chapter members have access to top-notch professional development and networking opportunities. I believe strongly in SATW’s mission to inspire travel through responsible journalism.
I have more than 20 years of experience in public relations and communications, and currently serve as the Deputy Tourism Director for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, where I oversee a team that strives to promote The Natural State to travelers from across the globe. One of my favorite parts of the job is working with travel journalists to help them tell inspiring stories about my destination and region, and I welcome the opportunity to continue in a leadership position with SATW.
In my previous career, I served as deputy press secretary and speechwriter in the U.S. Senate. I have also worked as a medial editor at Thompson Publishing in Washington, D.C., and as the senior writer at the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care. For a change of pace, I taught English composition for a year at Wichita State University.
I am a graduate of Lyon College in Batesville, Ark., with a degree in English and journalism, and I hold a master’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee.