Although the Gateway Arch is physically made up of 142 pieces of stainless steel, it’s the work of hundreds of loyal and hardworking employees that makes the Gateway Arch one of the most popular destinations in the world.

The Gateway Arch family includes many types of career specialties – from photographers and landscapers, to logistics coordinators, engineers and sales associates. Together, these people are responsible for creating an unforgettable Gateway Arch visitor experience where people will leave with lasting memories.

Here, we’re spotlighting four members of our extraordinary team who help make this experience come to life.

James Allen, a Gateway Arch Tour Guide, has lived in worked in St. Louis for 68 years (excluding the four years he spent serving with the United States Navy). For the past four years, James has served as an ambassador for the Arch, interacting with people from all over the world and sharing information about St. Louis, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park and the Gateway Arch. “My fondest memory of the Arch is going to the top with my four grandchildren, 6 to 8 years old, and watching the excitement on their faces while being sworn in as Jr. Rangers,” says James.

The Director of Operations for the Gateway Arch/Bi-State Development, Sarah Clarke, is a native St. Louisan and has worked at the Arch since 2013. While the past few years have presented unique challenges for how to best operate and provide an excellent visitor experience during construction, Sarah and her staff have come up with creative ways to push through the construction phase while putting visitors and their priorities first. Sarah keeps busy outside of work, and enjoys exploring some of St. Louis’ top attractions with her family such as the Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden, “I grew up visiting many of them with my family or on a school field trip, so getting the opportunity to now share them with my own children is especially great,” she says.

Jerika Butler spends her workdays greeting people from all across the globe and selling Tram Ride to the Top tickets as a cashier. As a newer employee, Jerika’s transition has been seamless and is already an integral part of the team. “My fondest memory is making friendships with my coworkers,” she says. If you can’t find Jerika behind the register, look for her at Pappy’s Smokehouse – as her love of food, and BBQ, is one of her favorite things about living in St. Louis.

Gateway Arch For Sale! Not really… but Sales Manager, Kelly Hutchinson, sells the Arch each and every day. When she’s not travelling the nation, she’s travelling the world attending trade shows, conferences, and telling people about the Arch.  “Sometimes I have to pinch myself, very lightly, that this is my job,” laughs Kelly. Born and raised in St. Charles, Kelly has always enjoyed visiting downtown St. Louis. From taking dates to the top of the Arch on warm spring evenings, to enjoying a show at the Fabulous Fox or Muny, “there is something for everyone,” she says. “If you don’t love St. Louis, you did it wrong!”