Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_3-13__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 11:51 AM Page 10 S p e a k i n g O f Pe o p l e Kariuki Epps serves as senior sales manager for Positively Cleveland In this post he is responsible for the religious, social, multicultural, and corporate market segments, as well as Conference Direct and a variety of destinations including the state of Missouri, and cities such as Charlotte and Atlanta. His sales career began with an energy drink distributor Red Bull, but quickly shifted to hospitality. Epps' professional affiliations include DMAI Convention and Visitors Bureau Network, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Fraternity Executives Association, Congressional Black Caucus, RCMA, Board member The President's Council Foundation, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Lodge of Ohio and The United Supreme Council. After careful review of several highly qualified applicants, Lisa Bethea was selected and hired as the best candidate for the position of tourism sales & convention services manager at the Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau. Bethea joins the Frisco CVB from the world of hotels, working her way through the ranks from convention services to sales. She began her career in broadcast news, made a leap to community relations and then worked successfully in a similar position for five years at the Embassy Suites Dallas Frisco. "Lisa fills a role of key strategic importance to the CVB, and we are pleased to bring her onboard. We believe her background will help her make an easy transition into her current position," says CVB Executive Director, Marla Roe. Tasha Squires serves as sales manager for MGM Grand Detroit where is responsible for serving group accounts. Working directly with new and repeat clients she presents creative and customized offers for prospective clients considering the resort for conferences, meetings, and special events within the South Central and Southeast regions of the United States, the Diversity market, and third party affiliates Helms Briscoe, and Conference Direct. A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with 20 years of experience in hospitality, her previous positions include, associate director of Sales for Marriott Detroit Metropolitan Airport and director of Group Sales at Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau, the nonprofit organization that markets metropolitan Phoenix as a visitor and meeting destination, has promoted Melissa Gogel to vice president of Marketing, Communications and Tourism. Gogel, who has worked at the Greater Phoenix CVB since 2000, takes the supervisory reins of three departments: marketing (which is responsible for the CVB's advertising, branding and website); communications (which coordinates media relations efforts); and tourism (which markets Phoenix to travel agencies and tour operators). A native of Nashville, Gogel had previously served as director of Marketing. She began her career at the CVB as an assistant in the Membership Department. Seasoned sales professional Deena Harper recently accepted a position with Station Casinos as sales manager for Santa Fe Station and Texas Station located in Northwest Las Vegas. In this position she will oversee group sales of 25+ rooms, build and maintain client relationships. Harper has over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to working with Station Casinos she was employed in a similar position with several Hilton properties over the last six years. Prior to that she was a regional director of Sales with A Plus Lodging in Virginia, Attended Wichita State University and is also a member of Society of Government Meeting Planners, and National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. Dawn Whittaker is a convention sales manager at the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau whose market segments include state & regional government associations, scientific/engineering, medical, corporate and multicultural associations. Whittaker holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Advertising from Johnson & Wales University. Whittaker's 15 years of hospitality experience have given her a keen ability to connect to people, meet the needs of clients, and deliver superior service! The Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Association is the sales and marketing organization responsible for bringing meetings, conventions and leisure travelers to the area., and to positively impact the economic base of the city. 10 B M & T ••• March/April 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com