What leadership qualities do you see as being important during a challenging economic climate?
A CEO must be inspirational. Your job is to lead. It's important to be very focused, to help the bureau achieve goals, grow sales, and be the best convention and visitors bureau to do business with. My priority is to grow business online.

What do you like best about your new role as president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB)? What excites you about the travel, tourism, and meetings industry?
I'm currently president-elect, and have been in the role for two months. I was born and raised in Atlanta - a city that I love. I've been in marketing for 27 years, and have an emotional attachment to building and helping a company succeed.

I think it's fascinating learning the dynamics of a new industry. I have the ability to look at the ACVB through many different prisms, from chairing the board during Sept. 11, being involved in pitching the Super Bowl, and truly understanding how the city pulls together its resources.

How do you plan to deal with economic challenges during your first year as president?
The best way is for the ACVB to operate efficiently in any environment presented. The ACVB will continue to service business flawlessly. We will work even more closely with meeting planners to build their attendance. We plan to add additional sales resources to grow business by adding a salesperson in Washington, D.C.

How are you motivating your team during this economic downturn?
Again, I'm focusing on being an inspirational and aspirational leader. I will be reiterating that the ACVB's job is to market the city. We will work smarter. We know the challenges; now the ACVB will focus on the many opportunities.

As the new CEO, are there plans to launch any new initiatives or programs?
There are great opportunities to enhance our Web site, www. atlanta.net, with plans to add more commerce on the site. We're planning to place Atlanta at the forefront of online marketing.
Why should meeting planners select Atlanta for meetings?

Atlanta is extremely accessible; 80 percent of the U.S. population is within two hours of Atlanta. Atlanta is home to the most successful airport. There are 12,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center. Downtown Atlanta has several exciting attractions, with new ones on the way, including the Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Dolphin Exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium, the Health Museum, and the National Museum of Patriotism. Atlanta has over 180 Zagat-rated restaurants.

How important is the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau's relationship with local government?
The ACVB enjoys an excellent relationship with the city and state government. It starts with the Georgia World Congress Center, which is a state-owned facility. With the cooperation and partnership of local government, the ACVB is truly able to activate the city and win events like the NCAA Final Four. Every event that we host is empowered by the great relationship that we share with the government.

During your first year, what do you think will be the most important factors in determining your destination's success?
Bringing people up to date about all the things to do in Atlanta. Clearly identifying Atlanta's starting point - Centennial Olympic Park. Encouraging visitors to start at the park and explore Atlanta's many great neighborhoods.