Charles Hill II
Experience Columbus has named Charles Hill II as vice president of strategic development. In this role, which he started on April 4, he is tasked with overseeing all aspects of the development, membership, and events departments. Previously, Hill served as director of community outreach for Rev1 Ventures.
Jami Johnson
Visit Vancouver USA has hired Jami Johnson as its new director of business development. In her new position, she will lead the business development and convention services team in its efforts to drive overnight bookings through the solicitation of group business. Johnson will also work with hospitality partners in the community, build relationships with meeting planners, and promote Vancouver as a meeting and event destination. Johnson has more than 20 years of industry experience, and most recently worked as a regional director of sales for OTO Development.
Michelle Leroux
The Vancouver Convention Center has chosen Michelle Leroux as its new director of sales. Leroux, who has two decades of experience leading sales teams, has an extensive background in developing sales and space utilization strategies, coaching teams, and collaborating with industry partners. Most recently, Leroux was director of sales and marketing at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown.
See more from the week of April 9.
Bob Priest-Heck
Freeman has named Bob Priest-Heck its new CEO. He will be the company’s fourth CEO and the first in the company’s 90-year history to come from outside the Freeman family. Priest-Heck, who has spent the past 25 years leading global technology brands and experiential marketing agencies, joined Freeman in 2011 with the acquisition of Wheelhouse Solutions.
Madeja Metcalf
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) has announced the appointment of Madeja Metcalf as regional director of convention sales. In this role, she will solicit meetings and conventions throughout the Midwest. Metcalf has more than five years of meetings and convention experience, most recently managing meetings, membership programs, and seminars for the American Osteopathic Association. Metcalf will be based in RSCVA’s new Chicago office.
Nicole Hess
Nicole Hess has been promoted to global sales director for AlliedPRA, Inc., joining the AlliedPRA global sales team. Previously, she worked with the AlliedPRA Northern California team. Hess will now be responsible for generating new business leads and revenue streams in the high-technology sector, managing key accounts, and building relationships with contacts.
See more from the week of April 2.
Darryl Leggieri
Discover Saratoga, also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, has appointed Darryl Leggieri as president of the organization. He joins the team with nearly 27 years of experience in hospitality. Leggieri most recently served as director of sales and marketing for the Saratoga Hilton, where he worked closely with Discover Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs City Center to drive meetings and conventions to the area. Leggieri follows Todd Garofano, who is moving on after eight years as president of Discover Saratoga.
Kristin K. Mirabal
Kristin K. Mirabal, CMP, has been named director of global events for the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS). She will be responsible for leading a global team to develop a strategic expansion plan for conferences and events that will serve ACAMS membership as well as attempt to reach new members. Mirabal previously served as vice president of Meetings for Heart Rhythm Society.
Nancy Walsh
Video content provider CNTV has appointed Nancy Walsh as a strategic advisor. In this role, Walsh will help CNTV further expand its footprint in the trade show industry. Walsh formerly served as president of Reed Exhibitions North American and now has a new company, Nancy Walsh Xpert Consulting, LLC.