Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533069
INDUSTRY SALES VETS ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES AT VISIT CINCY Team Positioned to Strengthen Sales Strategies for Newly Redeveloped Convention Districts Visit Cincy is strengthening its leadership structure through the promotions of Kathy Dawn and Kariuki Epps to Dire- ctors of Sales, N a t i o n a l A c c o u n t s . This decision supports the organization's goals to culti- vate new busi- ness for the region's redeveloped convention districts. Dawn and Epps bring extensive sales expertise and deep industry relationships to their new roles, where they will lead strategic initiatives aimed at securing conventions and events for the Cincy Region and Hamilton County. "Elevating Kathy and Kariuki is an important step in Visit Cincy's comprehensive strategy for growth and highlighting the reopening of our Duke Energy Convention Center in January 2026 following a $240 mil- lion redesign and modernization including expansive new outdoor event spaces," said Andy Conklin, Visit Cincy Executive Vice president of Sales and Marketing. "Their leadership is crucial as we attract new busi- ness and maximize the economic impact of our convention districts." Dawn has been a key member of the Visit Cincy team (formerly known as the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau) for more than 35 years, consistently achieving sales results in the national associations/business trade, education associations, and government markets. Epps rejoined Visit Cincy in 2023 as a Senior Sales Manager after pre- viously serving as National Manager of Diversity Sales from 2014 to 2019. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, he has held positions at the Graduate Cincinnati Hotel as Assistant Sales Director and at Destination Cleveland Convention & Visitors Bureau, among others. B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9 KELLY GLEESON SMITH APPOINTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES FOR CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT Kelly Gleeson Smith has been appointed Senior Vice President of Sales for Caesars Entertainment Kelly has demonstrated not only her exceptional skills and dedication but also her unwa- vering commitment to fostering an envi- ronment of growth and success for her teams. Since joining Caesars Entertainment in 2017, Kelly has transformed our meet- ings and events sales strategy, leading a powerhouse team of over 120 sales exec- utives who have consistently set new pro- duction records. With over 20 years of experience in sales, she has distin- guished herself as a formidable leader, earning accolades such as the 2019 Caesars Corporate Excellence in Leadership Award. Her role as an industry mentor reflects her belief in empowering oth- ers to achieve excellence. As she steps into her new role as Senior Vice President, her colleagues are excited to see how Kelly will further inno- vate and inspire her team and colleagues across the organization. An active member of the professional community, Kelly is involved in PCMA, MPI, IAEE Women's Leadership Forum, US Travel Sustainability Council, and ASAE. DR. MELANIE H. OKORO, APPOINTED CHAIRPERSON OF THE CAPITAL BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CAPBCC ), PLEDGES TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE ORGANIZATION Sacramento's Capital Black Chamber of Commerce CAP- BCC is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Melanie H. Okoro as Chairperson of the Board. As the Founder, CEO, and President of Eco-Alpha, Dr. Okoro brings a wealth of leadership experience, a vast profes- sional network, and a deep commitment to community and economic growth. Dr. Okoro is eager to guide CAPBCC into a new era of expansion and impact. "I am deeply honored to lead CAPBCC and excited to drive initiatives that foster economic and social prosperity statewide," said Dr. Okoro. "My focus is on strengthening our foundation while broadening our reach, ensuring a future where businesses and commu- nities thrive together." A distinguished scientist, entrepreneur, published author, and corporate strategist, Dr. Okoro has over two decades of expertise in corporate strategic planning. Her experience uniquely posi- tions her to address multi-faceted challenges facing small businesses in California and beyond.