Kari Kauffman

About Kari Kauffman

When you say “Hallmark movies” people often think charming, predictable and/or schmaltzy. I am an unapologetic fan of Hallmark movies. I love them! I think sentimental, idealistic and heartwarming. And in true Hallmark fashion those words also paint the picture of my career. More than three decades ago I was a bright-eyed graduate from The Ohio State University with a finance degree. Although I think I knew in my heart I wouldn’t pursue a finance career it made sense because my dad was an accountant. That’s how we thought about college and careers in my day. We didn’t have LinkedIn or much of a mentoring philosophy to help young people explore career options outside of those we deemed “traditional.” SENTIMENTAL. Wow, lucky me, I landed on a path that would excite me and push me to explore new ground even 30+ years later. From an early job as a receptionist at what was then the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau to today leading an awesome Destination and Experience team for Experience Columbus, I stumbled on something that would become my passion. I have a career that lets me grow and contribute in so many areas: relationship building, sales, events, leadership, the list is endless. IDEALISTIC. Yes, I am someone who is always in pursuit of perfection but with a positive lens. I view a perfectionist attitude as an opportunity to continuously challenge myself and those around me to learn, grow, improve and flourish. It keeps work and life interesting and fun. HEARTWARMING. How lucky am I that I get to promote a city that I love? Columbus is thriving, on the rise, diverse, progressive and a place where there’s something for everyone! I have a front row seat to watch our city continue to grow and transform with an energetic vibe that is palpable. And, I have the honor of: · helping to tell the story of our great city · creating opportunities for people to experience who we are and what we have to offer · and most of all, I get to work every day with people who are creative, inspiring, wickedly smart and here’s the added bonus – we all share the same passion for our city! Here\'s to Hallmark movies. Here’s to Columbus. Here’s to Experience Columbus.

Experience

1. Chief Destination Experience Officer

   Experience Columbus

   Jun 2022 — Present