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CONCORD HOSPITALITY APPOINTS MARSHA RAY AS NEW EVP OF OPERATIONS Concord Hospitality, the award-winning hotel management and development company currently operating over 140 hotels across North America, welcomes Marsha Ray as its new Executive Vice President of Operations. In preparation for further expansion, Concord Hospitality is VALERY BROWN-ALCE APPOINTED DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS & AVIATION FOR BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM Valery Brown-Alce is a veteran in the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism with more than 30 years of experience working in various leader- ship capacities in the Bahamas Tourist Offices overseas. She has been at the helm of the Sales & Marketing area in key markets in the United States having worked in Florida, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and New York. As an Executive Director, Mrs. Brown- Alce has successfully led the Global Sales teams in the United States, Canada and Europe executing Strategic Sales plans, Partnership programs with leading travel distribution companies towards achieving the goals of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. In her previous role as a Sr. Director, Mrs. Brown-Alce has also worked in an Executive leadership role at the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board to lend her expertise in Global Sales and Marketing focused on promotions in the United States, Canada and Europe. With an educational background in marketing, graduate studies in education and an executive career development internship at Irma Mann Strategic Marketing Agency in Boston, she brings a wealth of knowledge and transformative leadership to her new position at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Known for her team building and leadership abilities, she is a former recipient of the Platinum award for Women in Leadership at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. She has garnered several awards & recognition for contributions over her career in the international travel and tourism industry for her contri- butions to Women in Travel Organization, local CTO chapters and local ASTA chapters in several markets. Mrs. Brown-Alce is based in the Bahamas Tourist Office in New York where she has oversight of the Global Sales Department. N E W S M A K E R S 10 B M & T ••• July/August 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER APPOINTS DON E. SIMON AS SALES MANAGER Seasoned Hospitality Industry Professional to Focus on Event Market Growth at Georgia International Convention Center The Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), the second-largest convention center in the state, recently announced the appointment of Don E. Simon as sales manager. Simon brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role at the GICC. Simon will focus on the group market and attracting events such as pageants, cheer and dance competitions, ethnic and minority-based gath- erings, fashion shows, consumer expos, graduations and more to the thriv- proactively enhancing its executive team to better address the unique requirements of its indi- vidual properties. As a collaborative and results-oriented leader, Ray brings over three decades of invaluable hos- pitality experience to her latest endeavor. Her exten- sive background spans various hospitality sectors, including branded and independent hotels, luxury resorts, lifestyle accommo- dations, convention cen- ters, city hubs and airport facilities. With an extensive background serving both the Canadian and U.S. hospitality markets, Ray boasts comprehensive expertise in all oper- ational aspects, from food and beverage management to front office pre- openings, transitions, conversions, and beyond. Ray will oversee the opening and expansion of Concord's newest full- service hotels and resorts across North America, while focusing on brand and owner relations, financial oversight, and talent management to ensure each asset aligns with its strategic objectives. "I'm thrilled to bring my expertise in organizational leadership and my passion for hospitality to the remarkable team Concord Hospitality has assembled," says Marsha Ray, executive vice president of operations. "With a foundation built on collaboration and a relentless pursuit of results, I am committed to expanding our footprint and furthering Concord's culture of excellence." "Marsha's exemplary reputation and tenacity make her the ideal leader to propel Concord Hospitality to the next level as we aim to expand our portfolio even further," explains President & Chief Executive Officer, Mark Laport. "With exceptional industry experience, specifical- ly in the luxury markets in both Canada and the U.S., Marsha will be an integral part of our ever-growing team.