PARKERSBURG, WV (December 8, 2011) – The Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau’s board of directors has approved that Mark Lewis will serve as the organization’s next president.

“After an extensive search and multiple interviews the bureau’s search committee made its recommendation to the full board that Mark Lewis should serve as the next CVB president. We are excited that our recommendation was met with approval and that Mark has accepted the position,” said Alan Hardway, search committee chairman for the Greater Parkersburg CVB. “His impressive career within West Virginia’s tourism industry will provide a strong foundation of the work that is to come under his tenure.”

Hardway noted that Lewis will begin his work with the CVB in February as president-elect until current bureau president Steve Nicely retires in September 2012. During that transition time Nicely will work to introduce Lewis to area partners and leaders and to familiarize him with the CVB’s various marketing efforts.

Lewis, a native of Parkersburg, will come to the CVB with 30 years of frontline tourism experience. He currently serves as the executive director for the West Virginia Professional River Outfitters (WVPRO) based in Fayetteville, W.Va., where he worked on behalf of a diverse group of whitewater rafting entrepreneurs on a variety of issues. He served as the primary liaison and lobbyist between the rafting industry and all relevant agencies – National Park Service, WV Division of Natural Resources, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“I have great memories from my years growing up in Parkersburg and am very happy to be coming home,” said Lewis. “I am honored to have been selected for the position, and I look forward to renewing old acquaintances and making new friends as I work to promote tourism, West Virginia's sustainable future, in my home town.”

Prior to his position with WVPRO he was a group tour specialist with the Southern West Virginia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Lewis’ tourism experience also includes work at North American River Runners serving as assistant manager, sales director and general manager. During his time at North American River Runners he helped to manage the multi-million dollar rafting and adventure outfitting company with over 100 in-season staff.

Lewis is a graduate of Parkersburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Virginia University. He currently serves on multiple tourism and business related boards, including: New River Gorge CVB, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, Plateau Action Network, and the River Clean Water Alliance.

An official meet and greet to welcome Lewis is planned for February 9th at the Parkersburg Art Center in conjunction with the CVB’s annual meeting.

To learn more about the Greater Parkersburg CVB, visit www.greaterparkersburg.com or call 304-428-1130.

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