Meet the Team

As an accomplished hospitality professional with more than 15 years as an award-winning inn owner and decades of experience in tourism marketing and organizational leadership, Rebecca will lead the association’s mission to advocate for responsible short-term rental policies, support property owners, and build strategic partnerships across the region.

Prior to joining Poconos VRO, Gallagher owned and operated the Historic Smithton Inn, transforming it into a premier bed and breakfast recognized for excellence in guest experience and community engagement. She has also served as Chair of the Discover Lancaster Board of Directors, where she successfully fostered collaboration among hospitality businesses, tourism boards, and municipal stakeholders.

In her new role, Gallagher will oversee daily operations, membership growth, strategic planning, and advocacy efforts on behalf of the Poconos VRO’s members throughout the four-county Poconos region; Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Carbon. She assumes the day-to-day management of this trade association from Ricky Cortez, who held the position on a part-time basis for the past two years. Cortez was instrumental in producing the first-ever Poconos STR Economic Impact Report and hosting the organizations first two Poconos STR Conference, which have grown to be nationally recognized industry conferences.