Celestino Ruffini

Chief Executive Officer
P: 608-313-1360
Email

Celestino has been a lifelong resident of the Midwest. He was born and raised in central Illinois and fueled his passion for tourism in Indiana, where he graduated from Purdue University with a degree in hospitality and tourism management. He later returned to Illinois to become a strong advocate for the industry, and has since planted roots right here in Wisconsin. For seven years, Celestino served as the director of sales and marketing in Galena, Illinois, one of the leading destinations in the state. Lucky for us, he joined the Visit Beloit team in the summer of 2015 as the executive director. He is thrilled to serve the Beloit region as the chief “people connector” – ensuring consumers have the Beloit region top-of-mind, connecting businesses to one of the primary industries in the U.S., and pursuing excellence among staff and board members as we strive to be a leading destination in the Midwest.

He resides in Beloit with his wife and son, and is dedicated wholeheartedly to enjoying all that life offers.

Personally, he recommends visiting Dairyhäus in Rockton for delicious ice cream, enjoying the pristine waters of Pearl Lake in South Beloit, exploring the trail system throughout Beloit and filling up at Gene’s full-service gas station.

Matthew Bosen

Director of Sales & Servicing
P: 608-313-1366
Email

Matthew is the youngest of two brothers and was born and raised in Collinsville, Illinois. He attended Southeast Missouri State University and earned a degree in sport management with a minor in business administration. He has called Beloit home since December 2007 when he took a job with the Beloit Snappers. He has been with Visit Beloit since October of 2013. As the director of sales and servicing, his main goal is to attract groups and tournaments to the City of Beloit and to help make sure that all of our visitors have a quality experience.

Matt is always willing to talk sports and has visited almost every MLB stadium in the country. Check out his ticket collection next time you swing by the office!

He recommends catching a Beloit Snappers game at Pohlman Field, enjoying a craft beer and a great view of the river at The Rock Bar & Grill, and hanging out in Riverside Park for a free concert on Friday night!

Pam Garland-Gjestson

Director of Operations & Community Relations
P: 608-313-1361
Email

Pam joined the Visit Beloit team in January 2017. She is thrilled to be working in beautiful Downtown Beloit! Her passion is in non-profits, having previously worked for the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin and Girl Scouts of WI-Badgerland. Born and raised here, Pam is a true Beloiter. She graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and Environmental Studies.

She resides in Beloit with her husband, son, and two dogs, and looks forward to one day retiring on the Rock River.

Pam can be found at the Beloit Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in the summer, and at brunch downtown on the weekends. She recommends eating all the chocolate at Northwood’s Premium Confections and then burning it off with a hike at Big Hill park.

Stacey Bodnar

Director of Marketing & Public Relations
P: 608-313-1362
Email

Stacey was born and raised in Racine, WI and relocated to Rock County in 2005 where she served for seven years as the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the YMCA in downtown Janesville. Prior to accepting the Director of Marketing & Public Relations position for Visit Beloit, Stacey developed and managed a comprehensive marketing plan including events, fund development, blogging, media relations, communications, and graphic design to create awareness and a “voice” for Independent Disability Services, a non-profit agency serving adults with developmental disabilities.

Stacey personally recommends visiting our award-winning open-air farmer’s market, enjoying lunch and music at Fridays in the Park, and indulging in a delicious ice cream cone at Northwoods Premium Confections.

Terri White

Director of Visitor Services
P: 608-365-8344
Email

Terri’s passion for people and all things Wisconsin brings her back to the Visit Beloit team in 2019. She previously co-managed the Beloit Travel Wisconsin Welcome Center from 2011 – 2017 and is thrilled to be back now as Director of Visitor Services at the Welcome Center.

Her enthusiasm for tourism began at The Angel Museum where she worked as Tour Coordinator, greeting visitors and ensuring a joy filled visit for all. Her love for the hospitality industry grew and she now enjoys leading her team of Travel Information Specialists at the busiest Welcome Center in the state!

Terri was born and raised in Beloit and is in love with her community. She is a cheerleader not only for Beloit but for the whole state of Wisconsin. Road trips to Green Bay to see her grandchildren and visits to Door County with her husband in the fall are her favorites!

She personally recommends Friday night fish at The Mouse Tavern, leisurely walks along the river at Riverside Park, and indulging in delicious ice cream treats at La Michoacana Tropical Oasis in South Beloit.  

ShellB Turtle

ShellB Turtle is Visit Beloit’s mascot and Snappy’s little sister (Snappy is the mascot of the Beloit Snappers baseball team.) She’s just returned from studying abroad in the Galapagos Islands and is starting college this fall at Beloit College. She is excited to join the Visit Beloit RockStars promoting the City of Beloit and participating in all the fun events around town! ShellB enjoys kayaking down Turtle Creek, playing slooow pitch softball, loves shopping at the Turtle Creek Bookstore and cheering on the Beloit Snappers, of course!