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.
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 website 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," said Amy Pellegrin, President of the CVB Board of
Directors. "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."
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. Dec. 5. To RSVP, call 304-368-1123.
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