Summerville, who was previously announced as the sole finalist, brings more than 20 years of experience in destination marketing, executive leadership and community engagement. She most recently led Summerville Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in strategic marketing development, event strategy and nonprofit advisement.

Her career includes distinguished service with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement; Senior Director of Tax Revenue; and Director of National Accounts. During her tenure, she successfully launched award-winning tourism campaigns, cultivated inclusive partnerships and championed initiatives that positioned the city as a welcoming and diverse destination.

Summerville also served 15 years as an elected Tax Assessor in Clark County, Arkansas, where she earned a reputation for fairness, transparency and public service.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kasey to Albany,” said Johnny Seabrooks, Chair of the Visit Albany Board of Directors. “Her extensive leadership experience, marketing expertise and passion for community connection make her the right choice to lead us forward. The Board was unanimous in its decision, and we believe she will continue building on the strong foundation that has made Albany a destination on the rise.”

Summerville holds a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Philander Smith University and the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential from Destinations International — the tourism industry’s highest educational designation.

“I am deeply honored to serve as President and CEO of Visit Albany,” said Summerville. “This city has so much to celebrate—rich history, cultural pride and genuine Southern hospitality. I’m excited to collaborate with our local leaders, tourism partners and community stakeholders to build upon the momentum already happening here. Together, we’ll continue to share Albany’s story with the world and invite visitors to ‘Feel the Movement’.”

Summerville’s appointment marks a new chapter for Visit Albany as the organization continues its mission to increase tourism, strengthen economic impact and elevate the city’s visibility as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel.

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Woitena will be replacing long-term tourism leader Peter Bowden, who retired from the the convention and visitors bureau at the end of 2024.

“With her extensive background in destination marketing and economic development, Ashley brings an impressive level of experience and leadership to this role,” according to Halter. “Her deep ties to Columbus, combined with her ability to drive tourism and strategic partnerships, make her an outstanding candidate to lead VisitColumbusGA into its next chapter.”

Lauren Becker, Chair of the Search Committee, added, “Ashley’s dedication to Columbus and her strategic vision for its future makes her an exceptional candidate. We are confident that her leadership will foster ongoing growth and innovation at VisitColumbusGA.”

Woitena has served in various leadership roles at VisitColumbusGA for over 17 years, with her most recent position as Senior Vice President. She has been essential in the development and execution of innovative tourism campaigns, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, and managing high-impact events that have contributed significantly to the local economy. She also played a pivotal role in fostering partnerships between VisitColumbusGA and Fort Moore G3 Office as well as coordinating with tourism industry leaders across the region.

Woitena is a graduate of Columbus State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Management) and a Master’s of Business Administration from Troy University. She is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and holds multiple industry certifications, showcasing her dedication to advancing tourism and hospitality initiatives in the region.

“I am honored to be considered for this opportunity to lead VisitColumbusGA and continue building on the organization’s success,” Woitena states, “Columbus is a vibrant and dynamic city, and I am excited about the potential to further enhance our destination’s appeal and economic impact.”

Georgia law requires that Woitena’s resume and application be available for public review for 14 days before the board can vote on her appointment as CEO. If approved, she is expected to begin her tenure as the organization’s leader on March 3rd. The Columbus Consolidated Government funds VisitColumbusGA through hotel/motel taxes.

The Chason Group, an executive search firm specializing in economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, foundations, and other nonprofit groups, assisted VisitColumbusGA with the search process.

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ALBANY, GEORGIA—MAY 2024—National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the connecting, economy-driving and life-enriching power of tourism in America. This week we will highlight individuals that impact Albany, Georgia’s, travel and tourism. In their different roles, each has a hand in cultivating fun things to do in Albany, Georgia, treating guests like family in their hotels or unique venues, and ensuring visitors feel the movement while they visit Albany, Georgia. 

Linda Davis is the General Manager of the Holiday Inn & Suites in Albany, Georgia. The Holiday Inn is an 80-room hotel that offers a continental breakfast, a fitness center and an indoor pool. Davis welcomes guests to the Holiday Inn for family reunions, business travel and more. 

In Davis’s role, she sees guests impact Albany, Georgia’s economy daily. “Travel equals hotels. If you’re staying in hotels, you’re going to be eating out, so for me it’s hotels and restaurants. We’re hand in hand,” Davis says. 

During an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn, guests will be encouraged to go, see and do in Albany, Georgia. The new Visit Albany visitor guides can be found at the Holiday Inn. As a hotelier, Davis shares recommendations for attractions, dining and shopping in Albany, Georgia. 

If visitors are looking for a more unique stay, we suggest Vicks Estate, Farm & Fishery. The estate is 15 minutes from Downtown Albany and moments away from Radium Springs Gardens. 

Owner Clinton Vicks says his property is a bed and breakfast at its core, but Vicks’ expansive culinary, interior design and hosting skills ensure it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. Vicks welcomes overnight guests but currently hosts many dinner parties. 

Vicks says, “That [dinner parties] allows me to take the culinary skills that I’ve learned over the years and create curated experiences for people, from small to large groups, and that’s a way of generating a large part of the income that sustains the Vicks Estate and also allows me to do something I love.”

One step into the Vicks Estate leaves visitors with the impression of the Vicks’ intentionality. He hopes to combine sophistication and luxury with hominess and comfort—making sure that once guests arrive, they feel like family. 

Vicks says, “By coming here, it allows people to see that Albany is modern. We are abreast of what’s happening not just locally but in the world. And we do contribute to society on a small and larger scale. And when people come here, they have a chance to experience all that.”

Harry Day works closely with the Flint River Entertainment Complex to use Albany’s unique venues to book shows and entertainment. These venues include the Albany Municipal Auditorium, Veterans Park Amphitheatre and the Albany Civic Center. 

In his role as the Southeast Regional Director of Partnerships with Oakview Group, Day connects with markets across the state. Day says that success comes when everyone pursues a collective goal of raising up the community we work, live and play in. Events like Fridays on the Flint reflect an initiative to draw more people to Downtown Albany, Georgia. 

Albany, Georgia, is not Atlanta, Georgia. Albany offers entertainment, attractions, dining and shopping but it’s a different vibe. Whether you visit for a show or are the talent touring for the show, it’s easy to feel the difference.

Day says visitors appreciate the slower lifestyle, “One thing that we’ve always heard from concerts and talent that come here is that they love the ability to breathe a little bit when they come here, they understand that it’s a different walk of life here.”

Albany, Georgia, can be a relaxing getaway from the big city but don’t misunderstand, Albany still knows how to have fun. Head Brewer at Pretoria Fields Brewing, Tyler Durrance, says if you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere, a good time and good beer—Pretoria Fields in Downtown Albany, Georgia, is the place. 

Pretoria Fields Brewing is a craft brewery that sells about 1,100 barrels a year, shipping across the Southeast. It is also a hub for activity in Downtown Albany, Georgia, hosting events almost nightly. Sure, you can enjoy a great craft beer at Pretoria but you can also sing your heart out at Friday night karaoke, slay your competition at Wednesday night bingo or shop local artisan vendors and listen to live music at Pretoria’s Saturday markets. 

Their variety of events and family friendly atmosphere ensure Pretoria is a fun time for everyone. Durrance says, “From my perspective, when people come to Pretoria it becomes a melting pot. It doesn’t matter where they’re from, what their background is, they all come to enjoy a good craft beer.”

Albany, Georgia, wouldn’t be Albany without the Flint River. The river runs through the city and is one of the largest in the country. It has over 300 miles to float, fish, and paddle. In addition to being a source of fun, the Flint River is a resource that needs preserving and protecting for generations to enjoy. 

David Dixon is the past president of the Board of Directors for the Flint Riverkeeper. After 35 years of work with Molson Coors, Dixon is retired and actively volunteers with Georgia’s Adopt a Stream to complete water testing. Dixon is an advocate and enjoyer of the Flint River and connected waterways. 

Dixon particularly enjoys kayaking, “Just to be out in nature without motorized transportation. We can just float and let the river take you, just take it all in the alligators, the turtles. It’s just amazing.”

With two kayaking outfitters, Kayak Attack Adventures and The Flint River Outpost—Albany, Georgia, is a great place to visit for a paddling trip. Dixon says in a post-pandemic world, paddling has increased across the state. If you’re a first-time paddler or need a guide, we recommend contacting either of our outfitters that do trips on the Flint River, Muckalee Creek and Kinchafoonee Creek. 

As the Flint River is over 300 miles, it’s an effort to keep the resource clean and welcoming to visitors. Dison knows it’s a group effort and is hopeful about the direction preservation efforts for the Flint River are going. 

Dixon says, “The people that are on the creeks and the rivers that are enjoying them, that don’t want them polluted, are making a difference because they’ll pick up other people’s trash or they’ll report polluters.” 

As a community and a destination, Albany, Georgia, offers outdoor adventures, accommodations that treat guests like family, entertainment that connects people, and unique dining and shopping experiences. Explore our website or call our Albany Welcome Center to plan your next trip. 

The post Albany, Georgia, Celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

ALBANY, GEORGIA–MARCH 27, 2024–FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–The Albany Georgia Convention and Visitors Bureau, also referred to as Visit Albany, is proud to unveil its dynamic new brand identity, “Feel the Movement,” representing the vibrant essence of this diverse and culturally rich city. Led by a dedicated team, the brand reveal marks a significant milestone in showcasing Albany’s unique attractions and community spirit. The Visit Albany campaign has earned the Gold award, the competition’s highest honor, in the “Corporate Identity-Brand Identity” category.

“We are thrilled to introduce Visit Albany’s new brand identity to the world. It’s a celebration of our community’s rich heritage and a testament to the vibrant spirit that defines us,” said the Albany Convention and Visitor Bureau’s Executive Director Rashelle Minix. “And we are beyond proud to have received a golden Davey Award in the process. I am so appreciative of my team, including Accent Creative Group. We were excited about the new brand, but the Davey Award just proves the new branding is strong enough to compete with other destinations.”

Inspired by David who defeated the giant Goliath with a big idea and a little rock, the international Davey Awards honor the achievements of the “Creative Davids” who “derive their strength from big ideas, rather than stratospheric budgets,” as stated on the organization’s website. Smaller agencies can compete with their peers to win recognition. The Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals in media, advertising, and marketing firms, serves as the sanctioning and judging organization for these awards.

At the forefront of this exciting initiative are Accent Creative Group’s (ACG) Sydney Johnson, creative director, and Nicole Newsom, director of strategy, whose collaborative efforts have resulted in an award-winning brand that captures the essence of Albany’s charm and character. ACG, based in Lawrenceville, Ga., is led by Pam Ledbetter. This work has been accomplished under the direction of Minix.

Through extensive research, including surveys, site visits, and community focus groups, the team delved deep into Albany’s rich tapestry of nature, history, music, and culture. The brand reflects the voices of the community, ensuring it resonates with both residents and visitors alike.

Central to the brand narrative is Albany’s commitment to bridging gaps and showcasing its civil rights history, including The Albany Movement—a hidden gem that deserves broader recognition. The tagline “Feel the Movement,” encapsulates this ethos, inviting all to experience the energy and vibrancy that define Albany.

The logo, featuring the iconic Flint River and colors inspired by Radium Springs, serves as a visual representation of Albany’s diverse offerings. Its dynamic design embodies the spirit of movement and progress, reflecting the city’s ongoing evolution. Radium Springs is one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders.” It pumps 70,000 gallons per minute of clear, 68-degree water from an underground cave. Walk through a courtyard where the former Radium Springs Casino once stood, enjoy foliage-draped hillocks, crystal clear waters and flora both indigenous and exotic.

Minix shared, “With the unveiling comes the transition to incorporating the new brand elements across our website, social media platforms, and the upcoming visitors guide. All marketing materials will gradually adopt these fresh brand elements over the coming months. As this transition unfolds, people will sense the momentum building within our community and across the southeastern states.”

“Months – really years – of planning has gone into this reveal and every minute of it was worth it,” shared Minix of the event, which featured all the features of a Hollywood-style awards event including paparazzi, attendee swag bags, and more. Our guests are leaving as community Brand Ambassadors complete with “Feel the Movement” t-shirts. It’s just sinking in that our new ‘award-winning’ brand is now live and the word is spreading as people walk out of this room. I’m so excited for our community.”

As Albany embarks on this exciting new chapter, it invites residents and visitors alike to “Feel the Movement” and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.

For more information, check out this FACT SHEET. For more information about Albany’s brand reveal, visit VisitAlbanyGA.com, email info@visitalbanyga.com or call (229) 317-4760.

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