PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Mark Lewis, President and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, received the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2026 West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism (9/21-9/22), recognizing more than four decades of service to West Virginia’s tourism industry.

Lewis was presented the award by West Virginia Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger. As his name was announced, tourism professionals from across West Virginia rose to their feet for a standing ovation as Lewis made his way to accept the honor.

The recognition comes just weeks before Lewis is set to retire at the end of October, bringing to a close a tourism career that began as a whitewater raft guide in 1981 and ultimately took him into leadership roles in outdoor recreation, group travel, tourism advocacy and destination marketing.

As Lewis was announced as the recipient, the following was read to the crowd:

For more than four decades, Mark Lewis has dedicated his career to West Virginia tourism. Beginning as a whitewater raft guide in 1981, his career has included leadership in outdoor recreation, group travel, tourism advocacy, and destination marketing. Since 2012, Mark has served as President and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he has been a tireless champion for the Mid-Ohio Valley and a respected leader in tourism across the state.

Mark’s impact, however, goes far beyond the positions he has held. Known for his integrity, kindness, countless river stories, and ability to make people feel welcome, he has generously shared his knowledge, mentored others, and welcomed countless people into the West Virginia tourism family. As Mark prepares to retire after more than 40 years in tourism, he leaves behind an incredible legacy and an undeniable mark on our industry and on the many people fortunate enough to know and work alongside him.

The Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals whose careers have made a lasting contribution to West Virginia tourism. For Lewis, receiving the honor surrounded by friends and colleagues from throughout the state made the recognition especially meaningful.

“Seeing the entire room stand when Mark’s name was announced was an incredible moment,” said Autumn Henthorn of the Greater Parkersburg CVB. “Mark has spent more than 40 years building relationships, sharing his knowledge and championing West Virginia tourism. The standing ovation from his peers was a wonderful reflection of the respect people throughout this industry have for him and the impact he has made during his career.”

Lewis has led the Greater Parkersburg CVB since February 2012, promoting Parkersburg, Vienna, Williamstown, Wood County and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley while working with tourism partners throughout the region and state.

He will retire at the end of October 2026 after more than four decades in West Virginia tourism.