VMC Welcomes New Team Members
Visit Mason City is excited to welcome two new team members whose talents and enthusiasm are already making a big impact.
Amber Nelson, Visitor Services Coordinator
If you’ve stopped by the Downtown Welcome Center recently, chances are you’ve been greeted by Amber’s warm smile and friendly energy. In her role as Visitor Services Coordinator, Amber is the first point of contact for guests, offering exceptional customer service and hospitality. She also works diligently behind the scenes to ensure our visitor resources are accurate, up-to-date, and ready to help travelers make the most of their Mason City experience.
Victoria Mayo, Content & Social Media Coordinator
Meet our chief storyteller, Victoria! As Visit Mason City’s Content & Social Media Coordinator, she will bring Mason City’s unique charm to life through engaging stories, captivating visuals, and creative campaigns. Whether it’s highlighting a can’t-miss event, sharing a hidden gem, or managing our social platforms, Victoria is dedicated to inspiring visitors and locals alike to explore everything our community has to offer.
We’re thrilled to have Amber and Victoria on the team, and we know their passion and expertise will help us continue to welcome, inspire, and connect with visitors from near and far. Learn more about Amber and Victoria in their full bios:
MEET AMBER
My husband, Scott Nelson, and I officially moved to Clear Lake on February 1st of this year. Scott recently retired as the Director of Harrison County Parks in Woodbine, Iowa, and we were ready to begin a new chapter in what we’ve always called our “Happy Place.”
We have four wonderful children & one dog – Yuki the pug.
- Abby – a third-year medical student at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska
- Jack – serving in the Army National Guard and currently deployed in the Middle East
- Bernie – working at Curries Manufacturing and lives in Clear Lake
- Max – managing a restaurant in Coralville, Iowa and lives in Cedar Rapids
I grew up in a family business, and after it was sold, I was fortunate to gain experience in a variety of roles that challenged me and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I served as the City Administrator of my hometown, Woodbine, for nearly five years, worked in banking, and most recently was the Facilities Coordinator for Caesars Entertainment at the Horseshoe and Harrah’s Council Bluffs casinos—a position I thoroughly enjoyed before relocating.
When I am not working, I love the simple pleasures in life – enjoying time with family & friends, reading a good book, & occasionally taking time to write.
I’m genuinely thrilled to step into my new role as Visitor Services Coordinator for Visit Mason City. Once we settled into our cottage, I wanted a position where I could apply my experience, be challenged, and truly enjoy my work—and this role fits all of those goals perfectly.
I’ve always had a deep affection for this part of Iowa. Although my family and I have been vacationing here for years to visit relatives, now I’m eager to dive deeper: to uncover the stories behind Mason City’s rich heritage, architectural gems, vibrant arts scene, and local traditions—and to share that excitement with others.
MEET VICTORIA
From the heart of Belmond, Iowa, where farm life and fresh air are second nature, I grew up with poultry clucking, horses trotting, and sunsets that make you want to pause life for a moment. Summers took me to Richmond, Virginia, where my family’s roots run deep.
Putting a pause on college at Virginia Commonwealth University, I realized small-town living and beautiful sunsets had my heart. So, I made my way back to Iowa. Settling in Mason City with my little family: my loyal Corgi Bauer, my tough but lovable Pit Bull Cane, and my amazing partner, Austin.
We’re all about walks in nature, spotting wildlife, and soaking up the peace that only small-town life can offer. Mason City already feels like home, and we can’t wait to create more memories here.
ABOUT VISIT MASON CITY: Since 1985, Visit Mason City has served as the community’s official destination marketing organization. We are a 501(c)6 non-profit organization led by a full-time staff and Board of Directors. Our team is committed to growing tourism and making positive economic impact in Mason City and the North Iowa region through brand marketing and promotion, event and meeting recruitment, and collaborative partnerships. We are innovative, mission-oriented, visionary, purposeful, and full of community pride.
