FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Meghan Risch
312-567-8540
(Chicago, IL) May 8, 2006 – Donna Shaw, a veteran marketing and tourism executive and lifelong Chicago resident, has been named Vice President of Marketing for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB). Her first day with the CCTB is May 15.
Shaw joins the CCTB after serving in senior destination marketing positions in the public and private sectors for the last 21 years, including the City of Miami Beach, the State of Illinois and integrated marketing companies.
“Donna brings a wealth of destination marketing experience to the CCTB, said Tim Roby, CCTB president. “Her strategic abilities, along with her passion for Chicago, will be instrumental in helping us exceed our goals.”
As Director of Tourism and Cultural Development for the City of Miami Beach, Shaw supervised the city’s cultural gems and its film, tourism and convention facilities.
While serving as Director of Tourism for the State of Illinois, Shaw was responsible for significant milestones that positively benefited the State, including increases in economic impact, international tourism and hospitality employment.
During her eight years with the State, Shaw served on the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, the National Tourism Organization’s Board of Directors and the Travel Industry Association of America’s Executive Committee.
“I’m thrilled to join such a dynamic team to help promote what I’ve always believed is the world’s greatest destination,” said Shaw. “Chicago’s world-class attractions, premier meeting facilities, and record-breaking business and leisure travel volume provide the necessary foundation to elevate Chicago’s presence in an increasingly competitive industry.”
Shaw’s appointment follows a national search that began after the departure of Bill Utter, formerly Vice President of Marketing for the CCTB.
Prior to entering the travel and tourism field, Shaw spent more than seven years in Chicago advertising, twelve years in hotel management and more than eight years in Chicago broadcasting.
Shaw has lived in Chicago for nearly 40 years. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Radio, TV and Film from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
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