Staff

Rob Hinkle

ROB HINKLE
Director of Events & Visitor Services

Rob moved to Estes Park at the beginning of 2016 and has over 25 years of experience organizing and producing events. He served as Chief Operating Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation and has also worked for the Kentucky Horse Park and The Walt Disney Company. He earned degrees from Miami University and the University of Louisville.

[email protected]
970-577-3901

Karen Lynch

KAREN SHEA
Sales & Marketing Manager

A longtime resident of Estes Park, Karen has been in her current position with the town since 2013. Previously, she worked at The Stanley Hotel, the Estes Park Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Mary's Lake Lodge. She has served as the president of the Estes Park Wedding Association and is well-connected throughout the area's hospitality and events industry.

[email protected]
970-577-3956

Kevin McDonald

Kevin McDonald
Special Events Coordinator

Kevin joined the Events Complex staff in November of 2021. He is an event professional with expertise producing events for a variety of industries. Kevin has extensive experience organizing live and virtual events for trade, corporate, and non-profit entities; producing concerts and entertainment for the casino industry; organizing fairs and festivals, and developing professional sports entertainment. As an event organizer, he has produced successful events in top domestic and international media markets for spectators and live television.

Kevin attended Utah State University on a football staff scholarship, then studied Sports Management at the University of Iowa. A Des Moines, Iowa native, he moved to Estes Park in 2021 with his wife, Leilani, to ply his craft and pursue his passion of cycling, mountain biking, hiking, skiing. He and Lani have two adult children, Jared and Ava.

[email protected]
970-577-3905

Becky Gruhl

Becky Gruhl
Special Events Coordinator

Becky joined the Events Complex staff in December of 2022. She is an experienced CEO and Director of Nonprofit Organizations with her specialty in Feeding America affiliated Food Banks, Food Pantries and Volunteer Management. Becky attended the University of Northern Iowa and studied Elementary Special Education. Later working in encryption and telecommunications with the Department of Defense. She moved to Estes Park in 2015 with her husband, Brad, to follow their dreams of living, working and playing in the mountains. Becky and Brad have 8 nieces and nephews, and enjoy serving this great community of Estes Park.

[email protected]
970-577-3902

Kayleigh Schissel

Kayleigh Schissel
Special Events Coordinator

Kayleigh joined the events team in July 2024. Her journey led her to explore her passion for the restaurant and distillery industry, where she honed her skills in creating enjoyable experiences for guests. Alongside this, she pursued her love for dance, performing professionally and bringing joy through movement. With a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and being born and raised in Colorado, she has a unique perspective on people and community dynamics. Her enthusiasm for working with others drives to craft fun and engaging atmospheres, whether it's serving up a signature cocktail or hitting the dance floor. She thrives on building connections and making every moment memorable, blending her diverse experiences into a life filled with creativity and connection.

Stephanie Kephart

Stephanie Kephart
Administrative Assistant

Stephanie Kephart relocated to Colorado in January 2017, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Management. With a diverse background spanning business and HR management, teaching, marketing, online media, and website development, she is adept at navigating various organizational challenges.

A passionate volunteer, Stephanie has contributed her time and skills to the Murrieta Police Department, the Temecula Citizen Corps, and Regional Building and Local Design Committee. She is also proud to be a member of the International Honor Society in Business Administration - DMD and the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT).

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys making memories with her daughters and embraces the great outdoors through hiking, backpacking, and camping. She also loves to unwind with a good book, continually seeking knowledge and inspiration.
[email protected]
970-577-3903

Chris Biniek

Chris Biniek
Special Events Maintenance Worker

Chris moved to Drake in 2016 and has over 15 years of demolitions experience working on marine base in 29 Palms California. He got his irrigation license in Dallas, Texas and worked for the City of Frisco and Town of Prosper, installing and repairing parks and sport complexs. He enjoys camping, off roading, metal detecting, and fishing.

[email protected]

Justin DiGiovanni

Justin DiGiovanni
Special Events Maintenance Worker

Justin joined the Event Maintenance staff in 2024. He moved to Estes Park in 2019 and is a Florida native. Justin worked as a sports photographer for Disney, and his passion for photography brought him to Colorado to spend time capturing its natural beauty. He enjoys hiking and traveling with his wife, Valerie. They met in Colorado in 2023.

[email protected]