Centre County’s official tourism promotion agency has a new leader.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Board of Directors on Tuesday voted unanimously to appoint Eric Engelbarts as the organization’s president and CEO. He succeeds Fritz Smith, who tendered his resignation on May 14 after eight years in the role.
Engelbarts has been executive director of the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance since 2023 and in January was named deputy director of the HVAB.
“Eric has been deeply involved in the organization’s day-to-day operations, financial planning, staff leadership and continued modernization efforts for the past several months” HVAB Board Chair David Capperella said in a statement. “The Board is confident Eric will provide steady leadership as we work together to position Happy Valley, PA for the next phase of tourism economic growth.”
Engelbarts takes the reins as Centre County sees continued growth in its tourism and hospitality industry.
A study released in 2025 found that the county had 5.1 million visitations the prior year and eclipsed $1 billion in visitor spending for the first time. The bureau and Centre County Board of Commissioners last year also issued a record $1.1 million in tourism grants to local organization through a program funded by the county hotel occupancy tax, indicating continued growth in overnight visits.
“I look forward to working closely with our partners across the tourism, hospitality, business and community sectors,” Engelbarts said in a statement. “The HVAB has achieved record levels of visitation and visitor spending while building strong community relationships that enhance both the visitor experience and the quality of life for those who call Happy Valley home.
“As we look ahead, we are working strategically and thoughtfully with our stakeholders and community partners to prepare for a promising new era of leisure, business, and sports tourism growth.”
Prior to becoming the first executive director of the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance — a parallel nonprofit organization to the HVAB launched in collaboration with Penn State and community partners — Engelbarts served as executive director of Michigan Sports Alliance. His experience also includes time with the Alabama Sports Festival, West Michigan Sports Commission and the National Congress of State Games.
He will continue to oversee HVSEA activities in his new role as head of the HVAB.
Centre County Commissioner and HVAB Board Member Amber Concepcion said the county is “proud of the tremendous work The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau has been doing to expand tourism to record levels across Centre County.”
“The continued success of this organization remains a priority for the commissioners,” she said.
