Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) announced several staff changes aimed at increasing the destination’s important leisure and convention business.
Andrew Wilson has been named senior vice president & general manager of atlanta.net. In the newly created position, Wilson will be responsible for the direction of all online initiatives which include atlanta.net and its family of websites. He will also work with bureau members and the city’s key organizations to integrate content and messaging.
In addition, Wilson has been charged with developing ecommerce initiatives that will boost the bureau’s overall promotion of Atlanta. Wilson previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Brand Atlanta and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Capetown in South Africa.
“Tourists and conventioneers are increasingly turning to the web for information on what to see and do in Atlanta,” said William Pate, ACVB president & CEO. “Andrew brings an extensive background in web management and interactive destination marketing that will help us better serve our visitors and bring more tourists to our city.”
ACVB also announced the promotion of Ellie Westman Chin to senior director, membership & visitor services. Westman Chin will be responsible for expanding ACVB’s membership base and building value added programs. In 2006, she joined ACVB as director of membership and significantly increased the bureau’s membership profile.
“Ellie’s commitment to customer service has elevated Atlanta’s reputation and has allowed us to increase our membership substantially,” said Pate. “Membership is the bloodline of the bureau and we really rely on our members when selling and creating memorable Atlanta experiences.”
Bill Howard, vice president of marketing, also announced his retirement effective January 31, 2009. Howard led the bureau’s marketing team and was instrumental in positioning Atlanta as a global destination. Howard came out of retirement in August 2007 and will serve as a consultant on special projects.
“We are grateful to Bill for his leadership and commitment to marketing Atlanta as a premiere destination for conventioneers and tourists,” Pate said. “We wish him well in his retirement and appreciate his willingness to consult with the bureau on future projects.”
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