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.

Jason Michael Miller, Director of Membership and Engagement

As the Director of Member and Engagement, I am focused on the overall success of our members, community engagement, and the quality of life in the greater Hamilton community.  With this in mind, my goal is to ensure members feel supported and valued, receiving the tools they need from the Hamilton Chamber to not only grow, but thrive as well.  I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work with such an innovative and trail blazing Chamber team, and for the pleasure of getting to know our businesses, to learn more about our community, and to identify ways to better collaborate in your continued success.

• #1 bucket list item: As a (creative) 'list person' some of the items on said 'Bucket List' include: producing a short film festival, traveling (and eating my way) through Greece & Italy, and starting a business of my own.
• Favorite music/band: First of all, how dare you ('list person' here): Bruno Mars, Blessid Union of Souls, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Boyz II Men, The Beatles, Elton John, Billy Joel, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Mariah Carey (before 1997) Gavin DeGraw, 90's Country (Paul Brandt, James Bonamy, Jamie O'Neal, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Clay Walker, Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Mindy McCready) Ed Sheeran, Celine Dion, Postmodern Jukebox, Adele, Jessie J, Kacey Musgraves, (recent Swifty) Musical Theatre (Aida, Waitress, Miss Saigon)
• Favorite hobby: Lego, all things theatre & film, collecting crystals/ rocks/ gemstones.
• Favorite season: Spring or Fall (light and pleasant, Summer and Winter are too extreme) 
• What movie could you watch on repeat? You guessed it...another list: Kingsman, Elf, Jurassic Park/ World, Clueless, Mortal Kombat (80's-90's kid), Empire Records, Disney's Hercules, Ratatouille, Up, Inside Out, Luca, Brady Bunch Movie, Romy & Michele, Hocus Pocus, Love Actually, Yours Mine and Ours (the original), It Takes Two, The Parent Trap (the original), Forever Young, Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich (anything where Julia Robert's doesn't have to do an accent), Forrest Gump, Hook, Mrs Doubtfire, Charlie's Angels (the early 2000's), Can't Hardly Wait, Best in Show, The River Wild, The Island, Scream, I know What You Did Last Summer, Bridesmaids, Tommy Boy, Dumb & Dumber, Jawbreaker, Heartbreakers, Candleshoe, The Lovely Bones, Romeo & Juliet (Baz Luhrmann), Get Out, Goofy Movie, Titanic, all of the Batman movies (before 2020), My Girl, Jumanji (original), A League of Their Own, Little Rascals, New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, Sixth Sense, To Wong Fu, Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, Little Giants, Final Destination, Devil Wears Prada, Dreamgirls, The Broken Hearts Club, That Thing You Do, Why Did I Get Married, The Cutting Edge, Zootopia
• What is your favorite spot to visit in Hamilton? Hamilton in general. I have completely fallen in love with this beautiful city. I know that's a 'pageant answer' but tell me your favs and I'll tell you mine 😉
• Fun facts (How about 2 truths and a half lie): Don Saladino, who trains Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) complimented my squats; I was bi-coastal between NYC and LA for 15 years; As an actor and graphic designer I have a passion for business and events and an obsession for office supplies. 

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.

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.