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Office

1100 Lincoln Drive, #1205
Carbondale, IL 62901

Contact

adion@siu.edu

AAF Southern Illinois Leadership Team

AMY DION

Amy Dion is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience dedicated to driving business growth through innovative, data-driven strategies. Currently serving as the Marketing and Small Business Specialist at the Southern Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Amy excels in developing and executing effective B2B and D2C marketing.

 

Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses is evident in her leadership of numerous successful community initiatives and workshops, equipping businesses with essential tools to thrive in a competitive landscape. A skilled speaker and educator, Amy regularly presents on topics such as marketing, branding, and digital strategies, sharing her expertise with diverse audiences. 
  
With a strong background in digital marketing, social media, and content creation, Amy is known for her strategic thinking and commitment to driving meaningful connections and sustainable business growth. She holds an MBA, underscoring her dedication to professional excellence and continuous learning in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

NIKI DAVIS

 

Dr. Niki Davis is a Professor of Practice and Director of the Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management program at Southern Illinois University. With a background in media, marketing, and event planning, she connects industry to the classroom, teaching tourism and event management for over 20 years while emphasizing the use of industry-related technology.

She runs her food and heritage website, Rooted in Foods, contributes to regional publications, and co-edited Food, Fun & Folks. Active in her community, she volunteers at the Carbondale Elks Lodge and has organized cooking classes and demonstrations. Dr. Davis served as President of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators and is involved in several professional organizations.

 
She earned her marketing degree, Master’s, and Doctorate from SIU and holds a Master Online Teacher certificate. She has won numerous awards for her teaching and mentorship. Dr. Davis lives in Carbondale with her husband, daughter, and two pets.

BRIDGET LESCELIUS

 

Bridget holds an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; MS in Public Relations from Boston University; BS in Radio-TV from Southern Illinois University; Ed.D. in Higher Education from Southern Illinois University.

Her career spans over 30 years in advertising and marketing, including vice president and partner of Spark in Phoenix, Arizona; senior associate of marketing at the Institute for Supply Management in Tempe, Arizona; partner at The Big Idea, Inc. in Alexandria, Virginia; senior account executive at The Washington Agency in Washington, D.C.

She was responsible for the development and execution of marketing plans and programs, managed and directed client marketing/communications strategies, public relations efforts, and market research projects. Bridget has worked with a wide variety of clients, from engineering firms, economic development and tourism interests to government agencies, associations, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies.

Bridget returned to her alma mater as an instructor of advertising at Southern Illinois University’s School of Journalism and Advertising where she teaches a variety of advertising
classes from copywriting to digital advertising. She has three sons: Sam, Noah and Ben, the youngest one who just graduated college. To her surprise, Bridget was the ultimate soccer mom, with two of the boys playing college soccer. All three have successfully launched in New York City and St. Louis. Which makes her very grateful and very proud. Her husband Mike runs a music recording studio, serving the southern Illinois area.