by Kerstan Szczepanski, Exhibit City News
Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida, has announced her retirement after six years in the role. The longest-serving agency head during the DeSantis administration, she will stay in her role until a new president and CEO is appointed. “Dana Young’s leadership at Visit Florida has been transformative, ensuring Florida remains the top destination for travelers,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida’s secretary of commerce. “Her tireless dedication has created record-breaking and lasting success for Florida’s economy and tourism industry. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her the best in her retirement.”
Prior to joining the organization, Young served in the Florida Legislature for eight years, representing Tampa and parts of Hillsborough County.
“I am so grateful to Gov. DeSantis for the opportunity to lead Visit Florida for the past six years,” she said. “I am very proud of the work we have done — and will continue to do, maximizing return on investment for Florida taxpayers. This has truly been the best job I have ever had, and I will miss my amazing team.”
For more information about Visit Florida see their website www.visitflorida.com.
Visit Anaheim is excited to welcome distinguished sales professional, Virna Navia, as the new Vice President of Intermediary Strategy starting in January 2025. With over 20 years of experience focusing on the Intermediary Market, Navia brings a wealth of knowledge from her time at Visit Orlando and high-level sales roles with Four Seasons Hualalai, the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach, and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.
Navia has a proven track record of driving success across the hospitality and travel industry. She is an award-winning sales professional earning several awards throughout her career in recognition of her dedication and commitment to customer relationships, including Partner of the Year from ConferenceDirect twice. For more about Visit Anaheim see their website www.visitanaheim.org.
Shawn Garrity, CEO of Circle, announced the promotion of David Fekete as Chief Experience Officer. Fekete joined Circle nine years ago, coming from RES Exhibit Services.
“David possesses an uncanny ability to stay ahead of the curve, consistently identifying emerging trends and translating them into innovative, guest-centric solutions,” says Garrity, “His leadership and expertise have been invaluable to Circle’s success, and this promotion is a well-deserved recognition of his significant contributions.”
In his new role as Chief Experience Officer, Fekete will continue to lead the development and implementation of guest experience strategies for Circle’s diverse clientele. For more information about Circle visit their website www.circle.so.
Ruth Terrell has joined The Taylor Group as Senior Account Manager. Previously Terrell was Account Manager at ASTOUND Group. For more about the Taylor Group see their website www.taylorinc.com.
Mary McMahon has joined STRUCTURE as an Account Executive. McMahon is returning to STRUCTURE after four years with iHeartMedia. For more information about STRUCTURE visit their website www.structureexhibits.com.
Kathryn Slack has joined Exhibitus as Senior Account Manager. Slack was Senior Account Manager at Sacks Exhibits for nearly 10 years. For more about Exhibitus see their website www.exhibitus.com.
Susan Swanton has joined Exhibitus as Senior Account Manager. Previously, Swanton was Account Manager for Sacks Exhibits for over 12 years. For more about Exhibitus see their website www.exhibitus.com. (no image available)
Bobbi Jo Panetta has joined the Taylor Group as Vice President Strategic Development and Service. Prior, Panetta was Sr. Director ASTOUND Group. For more about the Taylor Group see their website www.taylorinc.com.
Jessica St. Aubin has joined Exhibitus as Director of Client Services. St. Aubin was Account Manager/Exhibit Service Program Manager with Sacks Exhibits prior to Sacks acquisition by Exhibitus.. For more about Exhibitus see their website www.exhibitus.com.
Lindsy Chaney is starting a new position as Director, Strategic RFP Management at Sparks. Prior, Chaney was Sr. Pre-Sale Manager at Freeman. For more about Sparks see their website www.wearesparks.com.
Eric Carbone was announced as Director of Operations with Exhibitus. Carbone was Director of Operations with Sacks Exhibits prior to Exhibitus acquiring Sacks December of 2024. For more about Exhibitus see their website www.exhibitus.com.
Neal Sacks was announced as General Manager – Boston by Exhibitus. Sacks was Chief Technology Officer/General Manager with Sacks prior to the company’s acquisition by Exhibitus. For more about Exhibitus see their website www.exhibitus.com.
Andy Valentine has been promoted to Portfolio Team Lead at Spiro. Valentine joined Spiro in June 2023 as Senior Account Manager. For more information about Spiro see their website www.thisisspiro.com.
Jennifer Marano has been promoted to Director of Business Operations and Projects at Sparks. Marano has been with Sparks for over 14 years, most recently as director of Strategic RFP Management. For more information about Sparks see their website www.wearesparks.com.
Matt Anderson has joined 4Wall Entertainment as Director of Live Events. Previously, Anderson was Account Executive with Aspect Lighting. For more information about 4Wall Entertainment see their website www.4wall.com.
