The Convention and Visitors Bureau of Marion County will experience a change in leadership in January 2013, as Executive Director Marianne Moran plans to retire, effective Dec. 31, 2012.
During its regular monthly meeting on Nov. 7, 2012, the CVB Board of Directors accepted Moran’s request to retire and named Leisha Elliott as Interim Executive Director of the CVB, effective Jan. 1, 2013.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from my colleagues and am ready to move on to the next phase in my life. I hope to do some part-time marketing consulting work in the near future,” Moran said.
Members of the CVB Board of Directors praised Moran for her service to the county. During Moran’s tenure as Executive Director, the CVB of Marion County has received more than $650,000 in direct advertising grants to publicize Marion County as a group tour, meeting and vacation destination. The CVB has also developed a mobile web site and also will be unveiling an iPhone app in the near future. Moran has served as President of the West Virginia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, and is currently serving on the West Virginia Tourism Commission. She also has served on the Mon River Trails Conservancy board of directors, Main Street Fairmont Promotions Committee, and PR and Membership Committee of Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation.
“Marion County is very lucky to have had Marianne Moran as the Executive Director of our Convention and Visitors Bureau for the past 20 years. A leader in the state’s tourism industry, Marianne is well-respected throughout our state and our region. The CVB Board of Directors thanks Marianne for her dedicated service to Marion County and offers her best wishes on her retirement,” said Amy Pellegrin, President of the CVB Board of Directors.
Elliott has served as Group Sales Director of the CVB since April 2011. In this position, Leisha has organized several Familiarization Tours of Marion County for tour operators and front-line tourism staff. She has also had the responsibility of the content for the CVB’s social media channels as well as the development of the new Marion County Bridal Brochure.
“Leisha Elliott has done a great job in developing the role of Group Sales Director, has attended the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College and has taken advantage of other training opportunities. The Board of Directors felt that Leisha’s background, service to the CVB and strong connections to Marion County make her an excellent choice for Interim Executive Director,” Pellegrin said.
The CVB Board of Directors will host a retirement party in Moran’s honor from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, at Heston Farm Winery, just off Exit 135 of I-79. Those who plan to attend should RSVP by calling (304) 368-1123.
