Kankakee County’s tourism organization will be seeking a new executive director in addition to area visitors.

Nicole Gavin, Visit Kankakee County’s executive director for the past four years, submitted her resignation Thursday. Her final day with the organization will be Dec. 5.

Visit Kankakee County announced in a news release Thursday that Angelina Gear, Visit Kankakee County’s sales and marketing manager for the past three years, will serve as interim executive director.

Gear also is a member of the Kankakee Valley Park District board. She was elected to her first term in April.

Contacted Thursday, board President Dave Baron said the goal is to have a new executive director in place by early 2026.

Baron said Gavin informed him two weeks ago that she would be leaving the tourism organization.

Baron described the news as a surprise.

“I was not expecting it,” he said. “She has done an incredible job.”

Baron said the Visit Kankakee County organization might have been a victim of Gavin’s success.

“She’s done so well [that] other people have noticed,” he said.

Gavin, 47, of Manteno, has accepted a new opportunity, according to the release, “that aligns with her professional growth and passion for community impact.”

Gavin earned a $93,300 salary with the tourism organization.

A native of Arlington Heights, Gavin has been a Kankakee County resident since 2010.

“I really didn’t see this coming. It’s an opportunity that was launched into my lap. I wasn’t looking,” she said Friday morning.

She did not reveal where she will be working. She said she wants the light to shine on Gear.

“She’s going to be incredible, I have no doubt,” Gavin said. “She’s set up for success. She has so much energy and passion for the community.”

Baron said Gear knows the organization well, and the board – which voted 4-0 to elevate her to interim director Thursday – has great confidence in her.

Her first day as interim director will be Dec. 6.

Baron said Gavin will work with Gear during the next two weeks to help with the transition.

Gear brings knowledge, energy, passion and proven experience in destination marketing and community engagement, Baron said.

“We’re truly excited to continue working with Angelina,” Baron said. “She’s been a visible and driving force behind many of our most successful campaigns. Her creativity, professionalism and commitment to her community are apparent to all who meet her.”

Gear said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community she loves.

She said she has had the privilege of working alongside partners and local leaders who believe in the power of tourism to achieve economic growth.

“I look forward to continuing that momentum – telling our county’s story, attracting new visitors, and helping our communities from Momence to Manteno to Herscher and everything in between thrive," Gear said.

Reached Thursday night, Gear said she was honored to step into this role.

“Our region is full of momentum, creativity and possibility, and I’m eager to build on the strong foundation already in place,” she said.

Gear said her focus is on elevating the visitor experience, strengthening partnerships, and putting a bold spotlight on the people and places that make this county shine.

“There’s real progress happening here, and I’m ready to help drive that work forward,” she said.

Baron credited Gavin with helping to guide the organization through a period of change. The organization’s funding source changed, as well as the makeup of its board.

During Gavin’s tenure, Bradley, which had been the organization’s largest funding source, departed Visit Kankakee County and started its own tourism organization.

Baron called Gavin a valued Kankakee County advocate.

He credited her with helping to establish a strong foundation for the group’s future “rooted in the idea that our community does better when we work together.”