PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has announced that longtime President and CEO Mark Lewis will retire effective November 1, 2026, following nearly 15 years of leadership and service to the organization and the region’s tourism industry.

Lewis has served as President and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg CVB since February 2012. During his tenure, he helped guide the organization through significant growth and change while strengthening the region’s position as a visitor destination.

Under Lewis’ leadership, the CVB expanded its marketing efforts, strengthened relationships with tourism partners throughout the region and state, and supported the growth and promotion of attractions and events that bring visitors to the Mid-Ohio Valley.

Among the organization’s accomplishments during his tenure was the purchase of the CVB’s current Welcome Center at 113 Ann Street in downtown Parkersburg. The move placed the organization in a highly visible location adjacent to Point Park and along the path traveled by thousands of visitors each year on their way to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. The building has since undergone extensive renovations and improvements to better serve visitors and the community.

Lewis also helped lead efforts including regional and statewide tourism partnerships, destination marketing campaigns, and numerous projects aimed at increasing visitation and the economic impact of tourism in Wood County and the surrounding area.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside Mark and learn from him,” said Autumn Henthorn. “We have seen this organization through a tremendous amount of change together. Mark has been a mentor, a colleague and, most importantly, a great friend. I am incredibly grateful for the trust he has placed in me over the years and for everything he has done for our organization and our community.”

Henthorn will assume the role of Interim President following Lewis’ retirement. She is entering her ninth year with the organization and has progressively taken on greater responsibility for its day-to-day operations, finances, partner relations, marketing initiatives, visitor services and community projects.

The leadership transition comes during a period of strong visitor activity for the Greater Parkersburg area. The CVB’s Welcome Center has greeted more than 1,000 additional visitors so far this year compared to the same period in 2025.

Henthorn said her focus moving forward will include continuing to grow visitation, strengthening partnerships with local tourism businesses and attractions, expanding the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities, and finding new ways to market Greater Parkersburg to travelers throughout West Virginia and surrounding states.

“Tourism is an important part of our local economy, but it is also about creating a community that people are excited to visit, experience and talk about,” Henthorn said. “I am excited about what comes next for the Greater Parkersburg CVB and look forward to continuing the work Mark and I have done together for so many years.”

Lewis will remain with the organization through October 31 to assist with the transition.