TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (August 8, 2017) – With the start of its new fiscal year on July 1, VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – ushers in new leadership to serve on its Executive Committee, Board of Directors and industry committees.  More than 220 VISIT FLORIDA partners, including some of the industry’s foremost experts, have been selected to represent the tourism industry for the upcoming term.

Maryann Ferenc, President & CEO of Mise en Place in Tampa, is the new Chair of the 2017-2018 VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors.  Ferenc succeeds William D. Talbert, III, CDME, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, who served as Chair during a year in which Florida welcomed a sixth consecutive record number of visitors, visitor spending and tourism-related employment.

“As a passionate promoter of Florida tourism, Bill has done a tremendous job leading the industry this past year,” said Ken Lawson, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA.  “As we build on this momentum, I cannot think of a better successor than Maryann who brings 30 years of local, state and national hospitality and tourism industry expertise to her new leadership position with VISIT FLORIDA.”

The Board of Directors is the organization’s private sector governing body who, along with the members of its 11 committees, provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing programs.  Appointed by Enterprise Florida in conjunction with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the 31-member board is comprised of representatives from key sectors of the tourism industry and is balanced geographically throughout the state.  The nine-member Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, made up of the officers and standing committee chairs, serves as the highest level of VISIT FLORIDA’s volunteer leadership. 

“I’m excited to work alongside my experienced industry colleagues on the Executive Committee, Board and committees, as well as the talented and driven staff at VISIT FLORIDA, to make sure people all around the world know what a special place this is to visit,” said Ferenc. “Coming off of our sixth consecutive record-setting year, we are better positioned than ever to make Florida the No. 1 travel destination in the world.”

To view a sortable list of all Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Committee members, please click here.