STATE COLLEGE — The board of directors of the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau has begun the search process for a new executive director.
Longtime executive director Betsey Howell recently announced her retirement, effective Friday, May 12. She has led the agency for 31 years.
CPCVB board president Bob Ricketts, of Fasta and Ravioli Co., said that with a search committee in place, the board has retained the services of a consulting firm with extensive experience in the tourism industry to conduct a nationwide hunt for Howell’s successor.
“As we prepare for the next chapter of the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau, we have an opportunity to move forward as an organization in exciting new ways, building on the leadership and programs currently in place,” Ricketts said. “Our goal is to find an individual that will fully embrace this opportunity and the potential it holds for Centre County.”
Ricketts said that in addition to looking nationwide, the CPCVB board is open to considering area residents interested in the executive director’s position.
The board hopes to have a new executive director in place by Friday, Sept. 1, which is traditionally a busy time welcoming both first-time and returning visitors to the area.
Ricketts said the search for a new CPCVB leader is the initial step in the effort to ensure that Centre County is not only a premier destination to visit, but to invest, learn, live, work and play.
Area interested applicants can contact Hope Johnson at hope@pyramindsearch.com.
