O'Kelley Re-Elected to Third Term as Chair of State Travel & Tourism Board
Posted on 03/01/16RALEIGH, NC – Randolph County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director, Tammy O'Kelley was re-elected to a third term as chair of the NC Travel & Tourism Board at the regularly scheduled meeting of the board in Raleigh on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. O’Kelley was reappointed to a two-year term on the board in December 2015, and serves at the pleasure of the Office of the Speaker of the House.
As Executive Director of the Tourism Development Authority, O'Kelley leads the efforts of the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, which serves as the county’s official destination marketing organization; and oversees the staffing and operations of the I-73/74 Visitor Centers in Seagrove, a partnership with the NC Department of Transportation. She has been employed with the authority since June 2001 and was promoted to executive director in August 2006.
“Tammy has done an outstanding job guiding the board through our transition into the public-private partnership,” said Wit Tuttell, Executive Director of Visit NC. “Her leadership kept our efforts focused on leading the state in positioning North Carolina as a preferred destination for travelers and film production, and in maximizing economic vitality statewide.”
The tourism industry is a vital component of North Carolina's economic stability as benefits of tourism touch each of the state's 100 counties. Direct tourism employment continues to grow in lodging, transportation, food service, and retail employment sectors to help serve visitors that spend more than $58 million per day in North Carolina.
“Tammy brings a wealth of experience and passion for tourism to the board, and is an invaluable partner for our marketing efforts on behalf of the state of North Carolina,” said Tuttell.
O'Kelley also serves on the boards of the NC Travel & Tourism Coalition, Piedmont Triad Film Commission, and the Piedmont Triad Host Group; and the Women in Travel & Tourism International 2016 Conference Planning Committee She holds professional memberships in Destination Marketing Association International, Women in Travel & Tourism International, US Travel Association, Southeast Tourism Society, and NC Restaurant & Lodging Association. A life-long resident of Randolph County, O'Kelley lives in Asheboro with her husband, Mike.
The Randolph County Tourism Development Authority is a public authority created by the NC Legislature that operates solely on occupancy taxes generated by overnight guests in Randolph County. For additional information, call (336) 626-0364 or go to HeartofNorthCarolina.com.
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