About Unleash Council Bluffs

Craig Carlsen

Craig's connection to Council Bluffs began as a student at Iowa Western Community College. In 2005, he returned to the community to begin his professional career at Iowa Western, and the people, places, and opportunities have kept him here ever since.

With a passion for creative storytelling and connecting people with memorable experiences, Craig has built a career spanning marketing, branding, digital media, and strategic communications. At Iowa Western, he served as Director of Video & Digital Marketing, leading a creative team and advancing the college's digital storytelling efforts. His work with Pottawattamie County included developing a county-wide visual identity and managing communications, including during major disasters that drew national attention. He also contributed to a grant-funded tourism initiative highlighting local museums.

Craig earned a bachelor's degree in Adult Education & Training from Bellevue University and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Analytics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Since joining Unleash Council Bluffs, Craig has helped expand the organization's digital reach through creative advertising campaigns, destination storytelling, and improvements to the visitor website. He enjoys finding fresh ways to showcase the people, places, and experiences that make the area special. His commitment to the community also extends beyond the office through involvement with Sail On and Fly High, the Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Foundation, the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Advisory Council, and other local initiatives.

Outside of work, Craig is drawn to experiences that get the adrenaline pumping. Whether it's the roar of a packed stadium, the energy of a live concert, or the excitement of trying something new, he's rarely one to pass up a memorable experience. It's probably no coincidence that he gets to promote many of those same experiences for a living.

Craig and his wife have been together for more than two decades and are raising their two children in Council Bluffs. After more than 20 years in the community, he believes it's the people and places that make Council Bluffs special. It's why his family has chosen to put down roots here and why he takes such pride in helping others discover what makes the community unlike anywhere else.

Mark Eckman

Mark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and eventually moved to the Okoboji, Iowa area. There he graduated with his high school diploma and was first introduced to working in the travel industry. Through that, he learned about the impact of tourism by working at businesses entirely dependent on travelers such as restaurants and local accommodations.

He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations with a minor in business from the University of Iowa. In his first post-college position, he led the Villages of Van Buren, Inc. which promoted rural Van Buren County as a travel destination. The organization launched Bike Van Buren and the Van Buren County Scenic Drive which continue to occur more than 30 years later. After three and a half years, he became the group travel manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. His position and responsibilities evolved over the next 16 years and involved ag tourism, international travel promotion, advertising creation/placement, partnership development, and event planning. Next, Mark returned to southeast Iowa to lead the Ottumwa Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for four and a half years and during that time landed the opportunity for Ottumwa to host the Iowa Tourism Conference for the first time. On December 1, 2014, he assumed the role of CBCVB executive director. During his tenure, the Council Bluffs CVB has been recognized for its website and social media efforts and was named outstanding community of the year by Iowa Tourism.

In his free time, Mark likes to travel to see friends and relatives, including his sister’s family in the Twin Cities and his brother’s son and daughter in North Carolina. As an Iowa grad, he is a big Hawkeye fan and gets to a home football game once a year. His favorite professional football team is the San Francisco 49ers, but he also roots for the Vikings, Chiefs, and Bears. Concerts and theater are other favorite past times along with reading biographies.

Sophie Kohler

Sophie Kohler grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa and is a graduate of Lewis Central High School. She also earned a college degree majoring in Marketing with a minor in Tourism. During college, Sophie served as Director of Lifetime Membership for her sorority and was recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic achievements.

Outside of work, Sophie enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active at the gym, reading, painting, and catching the latest movies. She values balance, connection, and finding inspiration both in and out of the workplace.