Thank you for your interest in the Auburn/Opelika Community.

The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau is an economic enhancement tool for the communities of Auburn, Opelika and Lee County. We promote and develop our area through the travel and tourism industry and introduce the unique spirit of Auburn-Opelika to visitors from around the world.

Below you will find various ways to reach the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau. Please feel free to contact us for any of your Auburn/Opelika needs.

• 

  John C. Wild, CHA

  President
  johnwild@aotourism.com
  p: 334.887.8747
  

  John Wild has worked in the hospitality & tourism industry for 30 years, serving as President of the Tourism Bureau since May of 2003 while previously managing the Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center. John is actively involved in the community and serves on the boards of many local and industry organizations including the Auburn Rotary Club, United Way of Lee County, Alabama Hospitality Association, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, and the Alabama Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. Contact John for advertising opportunities and sporting tournament bids.

  DID YOU KNOW???

  • John’s favorite sandwich is the Hook & Ladder from Firehouse Subs. Complete this perfect meal with a brownie and a diet coke to neutralize the calories.
  • John moved to 4 States in 18 months. From Boulder, Colorado to Naples, Florida to Billings, Montana to Michigan. Then to Auburn which has been a 21 year stint.
  • John is the official photographer for the Tourism Bureau and The Villager.
• 

  Robyn L. Bridges, CRDE

  Vice President & PR Director
  rlbridges@aotourism.com
  p: 334.887.8747
  

  Robyn Bridges has almost 15 years experience in the hospitality industry. She served as a Rooms Division Manager with the Hotel at Auburn University before joining the Tourism Bureau in October 2003. Robyn is a past president and board member for the Public Relations Council of Alabama and was elected the local chapter’s Practitioner of the Year for 2007. She has served as a vice board chair in marketing and resource development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County and is also active on many industry boards and committees. Her work has been recognized by the Public Relations Council of Alabama, the Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Alabama Hospitality Association. Contact Robyn for news, story ideas, media kits, and all your leisure travel needs.

  DID YOU KNOW???

  • Robyn graduated from the University of Alabama, but has lived in Auburn for almost 20 years and is in a 'house divided.'
  • Robyn majored in French in college and is now wondering why she didn’t choose Spanish.
  • Robyn loves to knit, but the staff is still waiting for her to make us all something.
• 

  Cindy L. Pugh

  Sales Manager
  cindy@aotourism.com
  p: 334.704.0114
  

  After 20 years in the travel industry Cindy joined the Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau in December 2005 . Her many years as a Corporate Travel Agent with Fair Winds Travel has provided her a wealth of experience in attending to the travel needs of groups and businesses. Cindy markets the Auburn-Opelika area to groups, conferences and sporting events around the nation. Cindy served on the Board of Directors for Opelika Mainstreet, is a member of The Piedmont Bird Trail Committee, and does volunteer work for the March of Dimes. Contact Cindy for all your meeting and group tour needs.

  DID YOU KNOW???
  

  • Cindy has seen every episode of the Brady Bunch at least 10 times each.
  • Cindy is the great granddaughter of US Congressman Henry B. Steagall who co-authored the FDIC bill (The Glass-Steagall Act) in 1933.
  • Cindy is OFA (originally from Auburn)
• 

  Laura Hancock

  Electronic Media Strategist and PR Assistant
  laura@aotourism.com
  p: 334.887.8747
  

  Laura Hancock is the newest member of the Tourism Bureau staff and is a recent graduate of Auburn University in the field of Public Relations with a minor in Spanish. Laura has written and produced for The Auburn Family, The Corner News, and The Loveliest Village; and she has experience in podcasting, blogging, and social network and project management. She now serves as the electronic media strategist and PR assistant for the AOTB and has a passion for helping put great ideas into action.

  DID YOU KNOW???
  

  • Laura believes everything tastes better with hot sauce.
  • Laura has been skydiving and bungee jumping.
  • Laura has visited France, Denmark, Sweden and Italy. She also studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain.