The Jacksonville History Center announces the appointment of Courtney Gumbinger to its Board of Directors, as of July 15, 2025. Gumbinger joins 11 other directors and will be eligible to serve three consecutive 3-year terms.
Gumbinger has served as Visit Jacksonville’s Director of Destination Experience for the past four years and has previously held event positions with the Hyatt Regency, Baptist Health, and Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts – all of which add to the depth of experience sought by the Jacksonville History Center as it undertakes to design, fabricate and market Jacksonville’s next heritage tourism destination. Gumbinger holds a Bachelor of Arts in hospitality and event management from the University of Florida and is a certified meeting professional and certified hospitality supervisor.
“As the JHC develops its downtown destination campus, it is important to have board representation from the visitor and travel industry,” said Alan J. Bliss, CEO, Jacksonville History Center. “During the years ahead, we will be doing ambitious things, and we are fortunate to have Ms. Gumbinger with us in our work.”
The JHC has also expanded its archive staff, promoting Erin Mustard to head archivist, and hiring two new staff. Mustard, who joined the organization in April 2024, holds several degrees, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature, as well as a Master of Information from Rutgers University. Shawn Stermer, a May 2025 graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in history, has been hired as Research and Reference Archivist. Joel Cordova, also a May 2025 UNF graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Digital Humanities, serves as the company’s Digital Collections Archivist.
Kate A. Hallock | Chief of Staff / Communications Director