Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535167
STEPHANIE FRANCES, FORT WORTH CONVENTION CENTER EVENT COORDINATOR, EARNS CERTIFIED VENUE PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL Stephanie Frances, event coordinator for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC), has earned a Certified Venue Professional (CVP) credential from the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Association of Venue Professio- nals. The CVP rec- ognizes the compe- tence of middle to senior level managers of public assembly venues. "I pursued my Certified Venue Pro- fessional (CVP) cre- dential to deepen my expertise, build credi- bility in the industry and stay ahead in a competitive field," said Frances. CVP applicants are rated on their experience and accomplishments in public venue management and must successfully complete a comprehensive written examina- tion that tests general knowledge of the public venue management profession. "Stephanie is the fourth CVP in our department and has raised the bar for other middle managers to pursue the credential," said Cynthia Serrano, CVP, general manager of the FWCC. "No matter how long we've been in the meetings and events business, it's always evolving. These credentials keep us current on best prac- tices and relevant to our clients." Frances has been with the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department for 17 years and is the most tenured event coordina- tor of five who work with convention center clients. Event coordinators handle the logistical elements of meetings, shows, competitions and conferences, including detailed sched- ules, multiple room diagrams and connections with other service providers. Frances encourages colleagues to invest in continuous learning, connect with industry peers and embrace the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. N E W S M A K E R S 8 B M & T ••• May/June 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com CHOOSE CHICAGO ANNOUNCES KRISTEN REYNOLDS AS NEW PRESIDENT & CEO Choose Chicago announced that Kristen Reynolds, a highly respected leader in the travel and tourism industry, will serve as the organization's new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5. Reynolds joins Choose Chicago after an impactful tenure as President and CEO of Discover Long Island, where she spearheaded t r a n s f o r m a t i v e growth in the region's visitor economy. "Kristen Reynolds is a proven leader in the tourism industry and we welcome her to Chicago," Mayor Brandon Johnson said. "With major global events on the horizon and our city continuing to break tourism records, Kristen's leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Chicago's posi- tion as a top destination for visitors, conventions, and business investment." Chicago's tourism industry is a key driver of the city's economy, and Reynolds' hiring highlights a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and global visibility. "Illinois is in the middle of everything and offers some of the most diverse and engaging opportunities of anywhere in the coun- try," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I look forward to working with Kristen and Choose Chicago on spreading that message, encour- aging people to visit Chicago, and showing businesses why we're the best place in the country to operate." Reynolds brings 27 years of experience in destination market- ing, strategic partnerships, and tourism advocacy. Under her lead- ership at Discover Long Island, she significantly increased tourism revenue, spearheaded new initiatives for leisure and business mar- kets, and strengthened regional economic development. Reynolds' track record illustrates a seasoned executive in the ever- changing destination-marketing landscape, working alongside cul- tural institutions, hotels, boards and civic leaders. A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), she also serves on the Board of Directors for Destinations International and the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and previously was President of the New York State