Brookhaven approves CVB Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mississippi Gulf Coast tourism veteran chosen for top job
Brookhaven, GA, Oct. 23, 2018 – In a unanimous decision, the Brookhaven City Council approved the appointment of Renee Areng to lead the Brookhaven Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB). Areng was nominated by the BCVB Board of Directors at its Oct. 12 meeting after a nationwide search over several months.
“We wanted to be sure we made the right choice for our first Executive Director,” said BCVB Chairman Rich Levy. “We were looking for the right mix of personality and experience, especially with a startup organization like our own. We felt that Renee Areng possessed all the tools needed to lead us in the right direction.”
Areng is stepping down as CEO from HMA Hospitality Consultants on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a post she has held since 2017. From 2013-2017, Areng served as Executive Director for Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast. During this time, she created the regional tourism startup and led the marketing, sales and operations of the organization. Throughout her tenure, Areng increased key metrics: Visitation increased 5% FY 2015 over FY 2014 and increased 8% FY 2016 over FY 2015. Overall revenue for non-gaming hotels also increased 8% FY 2016 over FY 2015 under her leadership.
“The City of Brookhaven has 11 hotels, and our location inside the perimeter, a stone’s throw from Buckhead, downtown and Perimeter Center, provides a unique opportunity that we can maximize,” said Mayor John Ernst. “I am confident Renee will leverage Brookhaven into a regional prominence in the tourism industry.”
“I am thrilled and honored to work with Brookhaven to create a truly unique destination,” said Areng. “I look forward to working with the Brookhaven Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, the Brookhaven Mayor and City Council along with the stakeholders, industry partners and residents as we move the tourism needle for the community.”
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