Annette Gavin Bates

Photo by T Chesley Photography

By Megan Bevins

Growing up, Annette Gavin Bates wanted to be many things—veterinarian, pediatrician and pilot were all on the list. She soon realized she truly belonged in her local community, working to make it a better place.

Bates experimented with different career options early in her work life. After graduating high school, Bates moved to Daytona Beach, FL, with her family and began waiting tables at a rooftop restaurant. When she moved back to the Mountain State, she married into a family business where she was introduced to the hospitality industry and fell in love with helping people.

Bates first worked as an office assistant for Cliffside, her family’s hotel in Harpers Ferry but was quickly promoted to hotel manager, then to general manager. Eventually, the business was sold, and she went on to work for the sales team at the Hill Top House Hotel, where she also assisted the owner in operations.

She stepped into the corporate world with a role at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races as well as her efforts in opening The Inn at Charles Town.

These early roles taught Bates hard work, humility and how to turn what seemed like despairing situations into successful ones. Working with the team at Hollywood Casino instilled confidence and growth in Bates that she still carries to this day.

“Sometimes it wasn’t pretty, many times it was downright ugly, but many hardworking and well-intentioned people were at my side,” she says. “All these roles led me to a position I love—a role I was born to play and one I am eternally grateful to call my dream job.”

Bates describes her role as CEO of the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) as more of a passion than a job, where she helps promote Jefferson County as an unbeatable destination.

“How can you not love going to work every day and telling this extraordinary story of beautiful outdoor spaces, incredible artisans, restaurateurs and history that comes alive when you stroll our towns?” she says.

Bates’ biggest obstacle and greatest accomplishment while working at the CVB was planning and opening the new Jefferson County Welcome Center.

Originally, all that welcomed visitors to Jefferson County was a temporary trailer, which inspired an aggressive plan to pursue federal dollars to buy and expand it into something better. In 2021, the welcome center opened its doors and won the Community Tourism Development Award from the West Virginia Department of Tourism.

“I feel the Jefferson County Welcome Center is truly my legacy to the community,” Bates says.

She gives back to her community in more ways than just her job—she is involved in several volunteer organizations. She supports the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, Court Appointed Special Advocates and Shepherd University Last Dollar Campaign. When determining which organizations to contribute to, Bates listens to their stories and tries to understand the severity of their causes.

“I think giving back to the community comes in all forms and actions,” she says. “It can be by serving, volunteering or donating. It can also be as simple a gesture as buying that Girl Scout cookie or donating food or clothing to community ministries.”

Throughout her journey, many people inspired Bates to succeed, notably her family. Her mother was her biggest cheerleader with a passion for life, but she tragically passed away at 57. Fortunately, Bates’ father and stepmother took on a lead role in guiding the family. Today, she credits her family, particularly her husband, Karl Bates, and son, Andrew, for her strength.

“They believe in me and make me a better person,” she says.

Bates’ next endeavor includes building a new welcome center in Shepherdstown, hoping to once again create a space that welcomes new visitors with open arms. This project illustrates her great love for the Mountain State, and she takes pride in telling its story

“Whether I am walking downtown and pop in to see a friends at their shop or grabbing a drink out with friends, this is home,” she says.