Meet the Staff

Dan Bates, President & CEO

I am responsible for the overall operations of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Moving here in 2016 from the Philadelphia suburbs, I instantly fell in love with the City of Hamilton. Prior to Chamber work,my background includes 15 years as founder and President of Business Marketing Alliance as a consultant for businesses and non-profit organizations. I also founded Building Blocks in Bucks County, an initiative to effectively link non-profits and government and worked as a consultant for the Department of Children and Youth for nearly 7 years.  I have served as Vice President of United Way in Bucks County, PA, Vice President of an advertising agency in Cleveland, a Vice President for Revlon International and I have over two decades as a senior executive in the retail industry, including Senior Buying, Merchandising and VP positions with Bloomingdales, New York, John Wanamakers, Phildelphia, and Joseph Hornes, Pittsburgh. 

• #1 bucket list item: I would like to rent an RV and disappear off the grid for a month. I've also always wanted to go to Australia!
• Favorite music/band: Tina Turner (I am in mourning) and Pit Bull
• Favorite hobby: Riding my Harley, putting my own spin on recreating a dish that I have enjoyed at a restaurant, or getting myself into a home DIY project that I think I can do (that I am usually not qualified for)
• Favorite season: Fall
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton?  Pyramid Hill
• Fun facts: I have travelled extensively in Asia, Russia, Europe, have been to London 17 times and Switzerland 11 times.  I am an artist that paints in acrylics. I broke my leg during our staff photos and walked on it for 4 hours after! I have been to the Sturgis Bike Rally three times.

Tiffany Grubb, Director of Marketing

I manage our marketing and communications, including our weekly e-newsletter, social media platforms and the Explore Hamilton app.  I am a proud, life-long Hamiltonian and love working and collaborating with the business community. Hamilton is so special and unique, and I can't imagine living, working or raising my family anywhere else!  

• #1 bucket list item: It would have to be a tie between seeing The Revivalists perform at the Red Rocks and traveling to Iceland to see the aurora borealis!
• Favorite music/band: Music is my love language, so not sure I can pick one fave.... I love all genres of music.  The Revivalists Radio on Spotify is what I turn on the most.
• Favorite hobby: Traveling, listening to live music around town or hitting up concerts, hanging out with friends and family and watching my daughters play volleyball.
• Favorite season: Summer and Fall (I do love winter sunsets though)! 
• What movie could you watch on repeat? Any Rom-Com, Twilight (don't judge me) or the Divergent series.
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? I spend a lot of time in Marcum Park walking my dog.  But, my favorite spot would have to be RiversEdge during concert season...it's magical!
• Fun facts: One of my first jobs was being the Easter Bunny at Forest Fair Mall!  I love plants and have over 25 in my house.  I have a 100 pound Newfypoo named Nash who looks like Harry from Harry and the Henderson's. 

Nancy O'Neill, IOM, Director of Events and Leadership Hamilton

I coordinate Chamber events and manage the Leadership Hamilton program. The great people that we get to meet and work with and the exciting things happening in our community are what motivate me and keep me excited to come to work everyday. 

• #1 bucket list item: Right now, it is a trip to Hawaii!
• Favorite music/band: 80’s music/Bon Jovi
• Favorite hobby: Quality social time with friends
• Favorite season: Summer…love going to the pool, listening to live music outdoors, and cookouts
• What movie could you watch on repeat? You’ve Got Mail or While You Were Sleeping
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? Flub’s!
• Fun facts: I have kissed the Blarney Stone and my major in college was Art History.

Gino McGowens, Director of Member Relations

As the Director of Member Relations, I am responsible for member growth and retention. I am tasked with ensuring that members are supported and get everything they need from the Chamber to grow and thrive.  Making sure that each member feels valued and is a part of the thriving Hamilton community. Our job is to give each member the tools necessary to be successful. 

• #1 bucket list item: My number one bucket list is to attend a NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.
• Favorite hobby: Favorite Hobby is reading.
• Favorite season: My favorite season is Summer.
• What movie could you watch on repeat? Any Given Sunday
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? Marcum Park
• Fun facts: I moved to Los Angeles after college and lived there for 28 years. Returned to Ohio at the end of 2012 and I appeared on the TV Show, The Love Connection when I first moved to California.

Laura Merrill,
IT Coordinator & Organizational Support

I facilitate our workshops, events, special projects, coordinate our IT needs, manage our daily financial functions, and support membership services. I enjoy working with our members and helping them be successful! Every day is different and full of new challenges. This is more than a job...every day I get to meet a new friend!  

• #1 bucket list item: To travel throughout the United States!
• Favorite music/band: Country and 80's Pop
• Favorite hobby: I enjoy line dancing every week!
• Favorite season: SUMMER! I love spending time at the pool.
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? Marcum Park
• Fun facts: I have worked in the Chamber building since 1996 for three separate organizations; The Hamilton Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Small Business Development Center and the Greater Hamilton Chamber. Also, my favorite car is a 1965 Ford Mustang!

Jeff Archiable, 
Communication Strategist, Hamilton Vision Commission

My job is to spread the word of the transformation that is happening throughout all of Hamilton. I make sure that information about all the things happening gets shared with the residents of the city, local and regional media, as well as those throughout the greater Cincinnati region.  I love being a part of the growth of Hamilton and all the amazing things taking place here.

• #1 bucket list item: My #1 bucket list item would be to visit Machu Picchu or Choquequirao.
• Favorite music/band: I love all forms of rock, but in particular alternative rock.
• Favorite hobby: My hobby is playing any sport that I can. Whatever someone wants to play, I'm in.
• Favorite season: Summer is my most favorite. It's a great time to get outside and be active.
• What movie could you watch on repeat? Forrest Gump is the movie that I could watch on repeat.
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? There are a lot of great spots to visit in Hamilton, but one that I love that flies under the radar is the walking path at Miami Woods Park.
• Fun Facts: One fun fact that people may not know about me is that I can juggle, sort of.