Meet the Team

Robyn L. Bridges

President & CEO
rlbridges@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Robyn Bridges has over 25 years’ 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 board of the Public Relations Society of America, the Southern Public Relations Federation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, and United Way. She further donates her time to the city she loves in the role of Planning Commissioner for Auburn.  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 over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as the director of sales and marketing at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. Brooke graduated from Auburn University in 2006 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, Opelika Main Street, United Way of Lee County, and more. Brooke is also a recent past chair of the board of directors of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. 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 graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Public Relations in 2015 and now serves as the Director of Communications & Marketing for AOT. Cat has been a Diplomat for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, on the committee for Auburn Young Professionals, and serves on the Board of Directors of Leadership Lee County, the Women's Business Council, and Lee County Young Leaders. Cat is a true Auburn local, having lived here her whole life. She enjoys writing and loves to edit even more. In her free time, Cat can be found chasing around her toddlers, Blakely and Benjamin, working out at Twisted Cycle, enjoying good food, watching great movies, and traveling. Contact Cat for advertising & marketing inquiries, partner & community relations, photography, or pizza! 

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 & Event Development Manager
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

Chloe Warren

Communications Specialist
chloe@aotourism.com
Phone: 334.501.3281

Chloe Warren graduated with a degree in public relations from Auburn University in 2022 and now serves as the Communications Specialist for AOT. From Fairhope, Alabama, she loved the small-town feel and hospitality Auburn provided during her time receiving her degree. She is ambitious to reflect this hospitality to the community through her role at AOT. Chloe loves the beach, being creative, going on walks, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Contact Chloe for calendar of event items, aotourism.com, news, story ideas, press releases, convention supplies, and social media.

CHLOE'S AREA FAVES:
Grabbing a sweet treat at Tart and Tartan
Walking the trails at Donald E. Davis Arboretum
Breakfast at Byron's Smokehouse

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 to find out how you can promote your Auburn-Opelika business through our Show Your Badge program, or 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: 281.900.8150

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 timeless small-town feel of the area. Travis loves to get to know new people, tackle new challenges, and spend time outdoors. Contact Travis for any event inquiries and marketing needs.  

TRAVIS'S AREA FAVES: 
Listening to live music at Resting Pulse Brewing Company
Gamedays at Jordan-Hare Stadium
Enjoying Hornsby Farms peach habanero pepper jelly 

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
Grabbing lunch at Viva La Vida