COLUMBUS – As the visitor industry continues to grow and evolve in Greater Columbus, Experience Columbus announced today it will restructure to better align the organization with its future strategic direction.
With the organizational change, Experience Columbus has promoted Dan Williams from senior sales director to vice president of sales; Kari Kauffman from director of tourism to vice president of tourism; and Mike Brown from director of development and public affairs to vice president of strategic development.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a strong team and I am honored to promote from within so that we can fully utilize our greatest assets, our people,” said Brian Ross, Experience Columbus president and CEO. “This new structure will allow us to be more efficient, accountable, innovative and competitive, while helping grow the local tourism economy.”
Dan Williams, CTA – Vice President, Sales
As the vice president of sales, Williams will lead a team of 19 to bring meetings, conventions and premier events to Columbus. Prior to joining Experience Columbus, he was the vice president of sales for Cleveland’s convention and visitors bureau.
Kari Kauffman, CTA – Vice President, Tourism
Kauffman has been at Experience Columbus for nearly 30 years, most recently as the director of tourism. In her new role, she will oversee tourism sales, visitor experience and visitor services.
Mike Brown, CTA – Vice President, Strategic Development
Brown has been appointed as vice president of strategic development, overseeing membership and events. He joined Experience Columbus in 2010 after serving 11 years as communications director and policy advisor for Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman.
# # #
Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region, dedicated to growing visitor spending that is generated by conventions, meetings, trade shows and leisure visitors. Annually, visitors make more than 37.9 million trips to Greater Columbus, generating $8.7 billion in economic impact and supporting more than 71,000 jobs. For more information, visit experiencecolumbus.com.
