A Familiar Face Steps into a Big Role: Congratulations to Angelina Gear, Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County
Downtown Kankakee has no shortage of passionate community champions, but every once in a while, someone comes along who seems to show up everywhere — sleeves already rolled up, ideas already flowing. For us, that person is Angelina Gear, and we are thrilled to celebrate her official appointment as Executive Director of Visit Kankakee County.
Visit Kankakee County, the region’s destination marketing organization, recently announced Gear’s appointment after she stepped in as the Interim Executive Director in December 2025. It’s a role that feels like a perfect fit for someone who has been quietly (and not so quietly) pouring herself into this community for years.
Angelina is no stranger to the work of building up Kankakee County. Before her interim appointment, she spent more than three years as Visit Kankakee County’s Sales and Marketing Manager, developing destination marketing strategies, deepening partnerships with local businesses and municipalities, and raising the county’s profile across regional and state tourism markets. The Board of Directors’ decision to make her appointment official reflects the trust and confidence she has earned every step of the way.
Her story also has a hometown heart to it. After spending more than fifteen years living across the country — Missouri, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texas — Angelina came back to Kankakee County with fresh eyes and a renewed love for the place she calls home. As Visit Kankakee County board president Dave Baron put it, that experience gives her exactly the right perspective to showcase what makes this region special and draw even more people here.
A True Downtown Stakeholder
For those of us at Downtown Kankakee, Angelina’s new title is exciting news on a personal level too. As a board member of the Kankakee Development Corporation — with the visitors bureau offices right here in the heart of downtown — she is deeply woven into the fabric of what we do and who we are.
“We are lucky to have Angelina as a true partner in growing this downtown.” said Nina Piolatto, Executive Director of Downtown Kankakee. “She is always one of the first people to volunteer to help set up events, step up to head a committee, or walk in the door with a fun, energizing idea — whether we’re talking marketing concepts, strategic planning, or figuring out how to actually execute a vision from the ground up. She brings that rare combination of creativity and follow-through that every organization hopes to find.”
And speaking of showing up — Angelina will also be taking on the role of off-site market coordinator for Downtown Kankakee’s farmers’ market season in 2026. If you’ve ever attended the market and marveled at how smoothly things come together, you’ll understand why having someone like Angelina in that role is such exciting news.
Looking Ahead
Angelina’s vision for Visit Kankakee County centers on collaboration, authentic storytelling, and celebrating the unique character of every corner of the county. “I’m honored to continue serving Visit Kankakee County in this role,” she shared. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working alongside our municipal partners, local businesses, and community leaders to showcase all that makes Kankakee County a great place to visit, live, and do business.”
We couldn’t agree more — and we couldn’t be prouder to count Angelina Gear as one of downtown’s own.
Congratulations, Angelina. Kankakee County is in great hands.