After a nationwide search, the board of directors for the Washington County Visitors Association (WCVA) selected Carolyn McCormick (pictured, right) to lead the 29-year-old organization as its new president and chief executive officer.
A resident of Nags Head, North Carolina, Ms. McCormick brings to Oregon’s Washington County 24 years of tourism experience. She previously served as CEO of the Outer Banks Convention and Visitors Bureau, a position she held for 12 years. Under her leadership, the Outer Banks grew from a little-known regional destination to a top-tier leisure travel destination with an annual visitation of more than 5 million visitors from 50 countries.
“Ms. McCormick brings a jolt of passion and extensive knowledge of the tourism industry, which will help propel Washington County to new heights as a tourism destination,” said Teri Koerner, chair of the WCVA’s board of directors.
She has long championed environmental issues, and led efforts to protect the Eastern Seaboard, as well as created sustainable tourism initiatives to preserve land and create multi-use, pedestrian-friendly pathways. Most recently, Ms. McCormick served as advising consultant for the non-profit Eastern Seaboard Trust, founded by award-winning costume designer William Ivey Long.
Previously in her career, McCormick served as executive director of the Lake County, Indiana Convention and Visitor Bureau; deputy director of tourism, film and sports for the State of Indiana; and managing director of culture, leisure and recreation services for the city of Lubbock, Texas.
Ms. McCormick starts her new position on March 15, 2012.
