Shanna Smith-Snyder

Shanna originally came to Abilene as a Hardin-Simmons University student, but decided to stick around and call herself an ‘Abilenian’. After graduating in 2008, Shanna came to work for the ACVB and is now the director of communication. She heads up all social media, e-marketing, assists with PR and advertising efforts and manages a variety of projects. She also writes for the Abilene Reporter News, bigcountryhomepage.com, and blogs for Collinson Publishing’s VacationPlanning.net. She just wrapped up a master of business administration: management from Liberty University in December 2009.

Places in Abilene you’re likely to find her: Teaching yoga at various fitness centers around town, exploring the latest additions at the Abilene Zoo, cheering on her beloved HSU Cowboys, or grabbing dinner and drinks with friends at Cypress Street Station. Being our resident health nut, Shanna enjoys Abilene most when she is on the move; be it an afternoon hitting the links at Diamondback Golf Course, doing karate at Abilene MMA or running around ACU’s beautiful 2-mile campus trail. 

Nanci Liles

Nanci is in her 25th year as executive director at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is a certified Texas Destination Marketer, one of seven people in the state to hold this certification. She graduated from the U.S. Chambers of Commerce Leadership Institute in 1988. Nanci has served and chaired numerous local and state boards throughout her tenure, some of which include the Texas Travel Industry Association, Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau, Junior League of Abilene, Abilene Regional Airport, the Texas Forts Trail, Frontier Texas! and Meals on Wheels.

Nanci is married to Ken Liles and has one daughter, Jessica, and a son, Kevin. Ken and Nanci (a.k.a. “Nana”) are proud grandparents to seven-year-old twins, Olivia and Kaden. Her hobbies include: reading, cooking (when time allows), dancing and creating her own greeting cards. However…her number one is travel! 

Wilma Butman

Although not a native of Abilenian, Wilma has lived in the Abilene and Merkel area for over 35 years. She has 21 years of service at the bureau and loves to promote Abilene.  As the bureau’s office manager she is responsible for corralling the staff, graphic design and website development. Wilma is very active in the Abilene Downtown Association. As past president, she actively serves on the two planning committees, City Sidewalks and Downtown Dayz.

When not at work, Wilma can be found antiquing, attending estates sales or out on the Butman family ranch. She has been married to Abilene photographer, Steve Butman, for over 34 years.

Debi Schultz

Debi grew up in Cleburne, Texas, moved to Austin in the 70s and married her husband, Mike, of 34 years.  After numerous moves to Plano, El Paso, Fort Worth and Garland, the Schultz’s landed in Abilene 30 years ago and have been glad to call it home. Little did she know, living in a house full of men (husband and 2 sons) was preparing her to be the Sports Sales Director for the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Debi also over sees the Sports Alliance committee and the Champions Classic; an event which raises money to support scholarships awarded to Abilene student athletes.  When Debi isn’t at a field, court or stadium you can find her having drinks and dinner at Sharon’s Lytle Land & Cattle…yum, yum. 

Jennilee Latimer

A native of Abilene, Jennilee is best known for being Abilene’s cheerleader! She has worked with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce since 1981. As the ACVB’s convention sales director, she promotes our city, incentives and services in every way she can—she is our guru on all things Abilene meetings! Jennilee is also a member of the Texas Society of Association Executives, Society of Government Meeting Planners and is currently on the board of the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Hester Woods

Hester is our convention services director. She is originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, but says she got to Abilene as fast as she could. No more snow shoveling for this woman! Hester takes pride in calling Abilene home because it has a low crime rate, ten-minute rush hour, warm weather, spicy hot foods—and even hotter convention venues. She asks—”What’s not to love about Abilene, Texas?!” 

Le’ann Mayhall-Ardoyno

Le’ann is the newest staff member on the block. Born and raised an ‘Abilenian,’ she attended Abilene Christian University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication.  After moving around a bit after college, she decided to settle down in Abilene with her husband and three dogs. She is now the ACVB’s Visitor Services Manager. Outside of work, she enjoys painting furniture, making jewelry and spoiling her three pups. 

Matt Ramey

Matt is a participant in the work-study partnership between the ACVB and Hardin-Simmons University. He hails from Decatur, Texas and is currently a senior at HSU wrapping up his degree in Communication. When he’s not hitting the books or writing papers, you can find him with his friends indulging in the social atmosphere of all the local hangouts and events that Abilene has to offer. Whether chunking a frisbee across Abilene’s Red Bud Park for an intense game of Ultimate, or sipping a cup of coffee to the sounds of an up and coming artist at Monks Coffee Shop, Matt takes his “chill time” very seriously and loves getting his swag on.