At Auburn-Opelika Tourism, our dedicated team is passionate about promoting the best our community has to offer. From creating memorable travel experiences to fostering meaningful connections, each member plays a vital role in driving our mission forward. We bring together diverse skills, creativity, and a deep love for the area, working together to ensure that visitors feel the warmth and charm that define Auburn-Opelika. Together, we are more than just a team—we are a family committed to growth, collaboration, and community pride.

Meet the Team

Robyn L. Bridges

President & CEO
rlbridges@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Robyn Bridges has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. An adjunct professor at Auburn University, she began her career as a hospitality professional with the Hotel at Auburn University before joining AO Tourism in 2003. Robyn has served in leadership roles with a variety of industry and civic boards and committees: she currently serves on the Hospitality Advisory Board for Auburn University’s School of Human Sciences; the Gogue Performing Arts Center Engagement Council; the Alabama Department of Education Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council; and the executive committee of the Southeast Tourism Society. She has previously served on the city of Auburn’s Planning Commission, the board of the Public Relations Society of America, the Southern Public Relations Federation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, and United Way. Robyn is passionate about the Auburn-Opelika community and sharing the culture of our destination with audiences around the country and beyond.

ROBYN'S AREA FAVES:

Performances at the Gogue Performing Arts Center
Browsing art at The Gallery on Railroad
The pineapple milkshake at Mrs. Story’s

Brooke Kastner

Vice President
brooke@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Brooke has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to joining AO Tourism in 2020, she served as the director of sales and marketing at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. Brooke graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and has been heavily involved in the Auburn-Opelika community since. She has served many organizations, including the Junior League of Lee County, Opelika Chamber Women’s Business Council, Opelika Rotary Club, United Way of Lee County, and more. Brooke is also a past chair of the board of directors of both the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and Opelika Main Street. In her spare time, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband and son while traveling, sampling new food and drinks, and baking.

BROOKE'S AREA FAVES:
Date Night at Zazu Gastropub
A relaxing spa day at the Spa at Grand National
Brunch at The Hound

Cindy Pugh

Sales Manager
cindy@aotourism.com
phone: 334.704.0114

After 20 years in the travel industry, Cindy joined Auburn-Opelika Tourism in December 2005. Her many years as a Corporate Travel Agent with Fair Winds Travel have provided her with a wealth of experience in attending to the travel needs of groups and businesses. Cindy markets the Auburn-Opelika area to groups and conferences around the nation. Cindy serves as the secretary on the board for Independent Rights and Resources, is a member of The Piedmont Bird Trail Committee, and does volunteer work for the March of Dimes. In her free time, she enjoys cooking. Contact Cindy for all your meeting and group tour needs.

CINDY'S AREA FAVES:
Admiring the annual floral trails in Auburn-Opelika
Buying beautiful gifts at Designer's Warehouse
Dining al fresco at Amsterdam Café

Cat Bobo

Director of Communications & Marketing
cat@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Cat Bobo is an Auburn University alum and serves as the director of communications & marketing for Auburn-Opelika Tourism, where she has worked for 10 years. She leads strategy, content, and campaigns that promote the destination and support tourism growth and community engagement, while also managing the organization’s internship program and mentoring emerging professionals. Her past involvement includes the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Young Professionals, Leadership Lee County, the Women’s Business Council, Lee County Young Leaders, the Southeast Tourism Society, and PRCA. A lifelong Auburn local with a passion for storytelling, Cat enjoys running, great food, Oscar-contender movies, traveling, chasing her toddlers, Blakely, and Benjamin, and crushing pizza. Contact Cat for advertising and marketing opportunities, partner and community relations, campaign collaborations, photography, or videography inquiries.

CAT'S AREA FAVES:
Fancy date-night dinners at The Depot
Weekend trail runs at the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center
Cocktails with the girls at Sneak & Dawdle

Anthony Terling

Sports Development Director
anthony@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.391.2527

Anthony Terling, STS, CHSP, has been in the sports industry since graduating from Auburn University Montgomery in 2009 with an undergraduate degree in Sports Management, later going on to earn his master's in the same field. Before joining Auburn-Opelika Tourism in 2018, Terling served as vice president of external affairs for the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation (ASF Foundation), a non-profit organization responsible for producing the Alabama State Games and worked for the Tampa Bay Rays and their AA minor league affiliate. He is also SafeSport Certified through the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Anthony values family time and being a great husband to Lindsey and father to his two sons. Other interests include, watching any and all sports in person or on TV (Penguins hockey is the best!), attending Auburn University athletic events, outdoor recreation, and lover all things landscape. Charitable work and helping others in need is a passion for Anthony, as he and his wife co-founded a non-profit public charity (Austin 1st Foundation) that raises awareness and research funding for rare diseases.

ANTHONY'S AREA FAVES:
Adventures at Chewacla State Park with his wife and boys
Christin's Enchiladas from Bow & Arrow
Any sporting event at Neville Arena!

Karen Gilmore

Experience Manager
karen@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.734.2987

Karen, a born and raised Brit, has 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She graduated in 2007 from Leeds Metropolitan University in England with a bachelor's degree in International Hospitality and Business Management. During her education, she was given the opportunity to move to the US for one year to work on Mackinac Island in Michigan and also in Key Largo, Florida. Upon her graduation, Karen officially moved to the US in early 2008. Most recently she spent over 10 years working for the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika. Karen and her husband have lived in the Auburn-Opelika area for almost 13 years and have their hands full with two boys. In her spare time, she loves family day trips, drinking hot cups of coffee, and watching the first 10 minutes of movies before falling asleep. Contact Karen for community volunteer needs or the Volunteer AO program.

KAREN'S AREA FAVES:
Sunday brunch at Lucy’s
Iced Crack Coffee at Mama Mocha’s
Discovering unique finds at Angel’s Antiques

Awbrey Mitchell

Sales Manager
awbrey@aotourism.com
Phone: 678.972.0522

Awbrey graduated with a degree in communications in 2023 from Auburn University and now serves as a sales manager for AOT. He attended Southern Union State Community College for two years before transferring to Auburn University to finish his degree. Awbrey is originally from Peachtree City, Georgia and has always loved visiting the area for Auburn University athletic events. Awbrey enjoys playing and watching many aspects of sports, whether it's Auburn Athletics, the National Football League, or playing a quick round of golf with friends. Contact Awbrey with your idea for the next great sports tourism event to be hosted in the area.

AWBREY'S AREA FAVES:
Playing a round of golf at Robert Trent Jones Grand National
Grabbing dinner and drinks with friends at Draft House
Enjoying an Auburn Baseball game at Plainsman Park

Travis Harrison

Experience & Marketing Specialist
travis@aotourism.com
Mobile: 334.644.6711

Travis graduated with a degree in public relations in 2023 from Auburn University and now serves as the event and marketing specialist for AOT. Originally from Houston, Texas, Travis quickly fell in love with the area’s timeless small-town feel. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Auburn Young Professionals Committee, as vice president of membership for the Public Relations Council of East Alabama, and as a participant in both Leadership Lee County and the Alabama Leadership Initiative. Travis is always happy to connect and assist with event planning support and marketing initiatives.

TRAVIS'S AREA FAVES:
Listening to live music at Resting Pulse Brewing Company
Gamedays at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Spending time in historic downtown Opelika

Tena Hawkins

Visitor Engagement Specialist
tena@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Tena’s diverse career has equipped her with a broad range of skills, having held roles such as small business owner, personal life coach, supervisor, manager, director, administrative professional, and graphic designer. Her experience spans both professional and non-profit sectors. Now serving as the Visitor Engagement Specialist for Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Tena applies her varied expertise to this dynamic role. What she enjoys most is the opportunity to serve others by delving into the rich culture, history, storytelling, and adventures that Auburn and Opelika have to offer.

TENA'S AREA FAVES:
Walking through Historic Downtown Opelika during Christmas
Visiting The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
Enjoying the food and environment at Olivine

Mari Lott

Communications Specialist
mari@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3285

Mari Lott graduated from Auburn University in 2025 with a degree in journalism and now serves as the communications specialist for Auburn-Opelika Tourism. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Mari was drawn to Auburn for its welcoming small-town feel and strong sense of community, a contrast she came to appreciate throughout her time as a student. She is passionate about sharing that unique perspective with visitors through storytelling and content creation. Outside of work, Mari enjoys creating in the kitchen, spending time at the beach, window shopping, and hosting friends and family. Contact Mari for calendar of events listings, website content for aotourism.com, news and story ideas, press releases, convention supplies, and social media.

MARI'S AREA FAVES:

Grabbing a latte and a bacon cheddar biscuit at Well Red
Browsing home decor at The Flower Store
Enjoying a slice at Dough Pizzeria

Communications & Marketing AP Stewart

AP is from Montgomery, AL, and is serving as a communications & marketing intern. In addition to this internship, AP works with Alabama Black Belt Adventures, serves as President for the International Buddy Program and previously served as her sorority's videographer. AP is pursuing a degree in Marketing and is expected to graduate in May 2027.

Communications & Marketing Bella Naish

Bella is from Birmingham, Alabama, and serves as a communications and marketing intern. She serves as Assistant Vice President of Public Relations for Auburn's Student Government Association. She previously served as her sorority’s social media director and now serves as president. Bella is pursuing a degree in public relations and will graduate May 2027.

Communications & Marketing Alayna Smallwood

Alayna is from Macon, Georgia and currently serves as a communications and marketing intern. She is an active member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and the University Program Council on the special events committee. Alayna is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and is expected to graduate in Summer 2026.

Communications & Marketing Kathryn Atkins

Kathryn is from Knoxville, TN, and serves as a communications and marketing intern. She is an active member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and previously served on two different intern teams for the Auburn Athletic Department. Kathryn is pursuing a degree in Public Relations and is expected to graduate in May 2026.

Each semester, Auburn-Opelika Tourism welcomes new interns to join our team! Applicants must be studying public relations, communications, marketing, or another related field. Hospitality, event, and sales internship opportunities are also available. Interested in applying or learning more? Click the button below to contact our team.

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