Cat Rolfes

Director of Marketing & Brand

I've always believed that everyone has a story to tell. Whether it's a chef in a small Greek village, a musician in a neighborhood club or a local artisan halfway around the world, I'm endlessly curious about the people behind a place. For me, the most memorable travel experiences aren't found on an itinerary. They're discovered through conversations, unexpected detours and a willingness to explore.

That curiosity has shaped both my career and the way I experience the world.

Originally from New Orleans, I earned my degree from Loyola University before my curiosity and longing to understand the world led me abroad. I spent six years living internationally, including studying at the London School of Economics, teaching English in Japan and earning my master's degree in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam. After completing my studies, I stayed in Amsterdam to work for Bloomberg News before moving to Chicago in 1999. There, I continued my journalism career writing for financial news organizations and, later, newspapers and magazines while raising my two sons in Glenview.

As Director of Marketing & Brand for Travel 100 Group, I'm excited to help tell the stories behind our remarkable travel advisors, strengthen relationships with our valued travel partners and inspire more people to discover the world through exceptional travel experiences. Every destination has a story. Every advisor has a story. Every traveler returns home with a story. Helping bring those stories to life is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

When I travel, you'll most likely find me wandering neighborhood streets, discovering family-owned restaurants, talking with locals over a glass of wine or saying "yes" to an adventure I never planned. Greece will always feel like a second home after spending many summers there with family, and I still dream about the vine-ripened tomatoes in simple village salads. Japan, London and Amsterdam each shaped my perspective in different ways, and my bucket list still includes exploring South America, the Maldives, the beaches of Bali and adventuring through the rest of Indonesia.
Outside of work, I love writing and playing music and perform with several bands in the Chicago area. I also continue to write for North Shore City Lifestyle magazine because I can't imagine ever giving up the opportunity to discover and share great stories. Whether through music, storytelling or travel, I'm happiest when I'm learning something new, meeting interesting people and discovering the experiences that remind us how connected the world really is.

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