Not surprising for a two-time Ironman finisher, the idea of "take it easy" never held much appeal for Cara. By 25, she'd worked her way up from convention services manager to Director of Convention Services & Sports Sales at the Greater Madison CVB — experience and perspective she transferred to Simpleview in 2008.

Now as Chief of Staff, Cara loves that she has not just a DMO point of view, but also perspective from every department within the company through working with them on their goals. Along with the opportunity to help grow and shape Simpleview, that interaction with people from across the organization is one of the high points of her job.

Cara travels often for work, and the destinations at the top of her wishlist are Tahiti and Australia. Her favorite travel companion is her husband, Michael, and they're both looking forward to exploring the world more with their sons Eli and Beckett.