A number of city-wide convention marketing organizations have recently named new c-level leadership to lead the charge and bring more tradeshows and meetings within their borders. From Jacksonville to Los Angeles, these new CEOs will work to distinguish their cities to meeting planners for their event business.
In California, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) has named Ernest Wooden, Jr. as its new president and CEO. Wooden is a long-time senior hospitality industry executive and a Los Angeles-area resident since 1999. He succeeds Mark Liberman, who served in the role since 2003.
Wooden has spent his entire career in the hospitality industry, including more than a decade in senior leadership positions in both global brand management and operations with Hilton Hotels Corporation.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of the City’s bright future given the many exciting developments on the horizon,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Ernie has the industry experience and knowledge to help us grow our convention and tourism business.”
Last year, Los Angeles welcomed a record 40.4 million visitors from around the globe, making it one of the most visited destinations in the U.S.
“We are very pleased to welcome someone with Ernie’s depth of global hospitality branding and operations experience,” said Tom Mullen, chairman of the board for LA Tourism. “He is known in the industry for building relationships and driving business results, and we look forward to working with him to capitalize on the momentum our tourism industry is enjoying.”
In Texas, the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau (FWCVB) chose Robert Jameson at its new leader. As president and CEO, Jameson will be responsible for the strategic development of FWCVB initiatives, including meeting and convention business.
“We conducted an extensive national search through an executive placement firm, bringing qualified candidates from across the country in to meet with our search committee,” said Gary Brinkley, chairman of the board for the FWCVB. “His long term experience with an international hotel brand paired with great local working relationships made Bob the strongest candidate.”
Jameson is resigning as general manager of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, which has been managed by Marriott International since 1999. Under his leadership, the Worthington was twice named Hotel of the Year within the Marriott system of 500 full service hotels.
“This is a key hire for our CVB and for the City of Fort Worth,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “The meetings and convention business is big industry for Fort Worth.”
During his 27 years in the Fort Worth hotel industry, Jameson has twice served as chairman of the board of the FWCVB.
“I’m thrilled to continue my association with the FWCVB, and take it to an exciting new level as president and CEO,” said Jameson. “The work we do on behalf of our world-class city is critically important to our growth and prosperity.”
In Ohio, the board of directors for Experience Columbus unanimously approved the appointment of Brian Ross as the organization’s new president and CEO. Ross has served as the organization’s vice president of sales for six years.
Prior to joining Experience Columbus in 2007, Ross spent 17 years with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts working in various sales and marketing roles. Most recently, Ross was the executive director of sales for the Western U.S., overseeing 25 hotel properties in markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, San Diego and Denver.
“Experience Columbus has established aggressive goals for growth in the coming five years. The search committee sought a candidate who could work with our many partners to lead the effort to significantly grow convention and tourism business in Columbus,” said Lisa Hinson, chair of the board of Experience Columbus. “Brian’s solid sales background and six-year focus on attracting conventions to Columbus shows he is ready to hit the ground running.”
As vice president of sales for Experience Columbus, Ross oversaw all aspects of the convention sales services departments.
“I want to thank the search committee and board of directors for their support. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to lead Experience Columbus at this very exciting time in our city’s development,” said Ross. “I look forward to continuing the unprecedented collaboration that has taken place centered around advancing Columbus’ image on a national stage.”
In Florida, Visit Jacksonville announced it has selected Paul Astleford as its next president and CEO. Astleford, arrives in Jacksonville after a successful tour of duty leading Experience Columbus, where he served as its president and CEO since 2000.
“I see Jacksonville as a city with huge potential as a destination for corporate, group and leisure travel,” said Astleford. “I look forward to working with the city, community leaders and our hospitality industry to elevate the awareness of all the assets that northeast Florida has to offer.”
With more than 42 years of hospitality industry experience, Astleford previously served as president and CEO for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, and worked as vice president of sales and marketing for Disney Resorts.
Janice Lowe, chair for Visit Jacksonville’s board of directors, said the decision to hire Astleford was based on his strong experience and knowledge of the industry.
“Visit Jacksonville’s sales efforts bring in over 400 conventions, meetings and sports groups annually into Duval County and help to support the 43,000 hospitality industry employees in Northeast Florida,” said Lowe. “With Paul’s vast experience, we expect he will be able to assist in growing these numbers to record levels.”
Kerri Stewart, senior vice president at Infinity Global Solutions, a Jacksonville-based economic development and government affairs firm, has served as interim president for Visit Jacksonville for the last year.
“The Visit Jacksonville team is a strong, experienced group of industry professionals” said Stewart. “They are excited about having such a well-respected industry leader at the helm.”
