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The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Executive Committee has named Carol Wallace as IAVM's temporary Executive Administrator. Wallace recently retired from her role as president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center and has established her own consulting company, Carol Wallace & Associates Inc. She brings a great deal of knowl- edge and executive expertise including a term as chairman of the IAVM Board of Directors. "We are so fortunate to have Carol assist us during this transition," said IAVM 2015-2016 Chair Karen Totaro, CFE. "Carol has a great collaborative style that will be appreciated by all. We are so thrilled the timing was such that she was available." Wallace and the IAVM headquarters staff will continue to ensure a seamless day-to-day operation of the organization with a particular focus on priorities outlined by the Board of Directors. Wallace began her position on March 29. About Carol Wallace: Carol Wallace is currently the president and CEO of Carol Wallace Associates Inc. Carol Wallace & Associates provides a comprehensive array of facility management, organizational development, and operational consulting services to the hospitality industry. Previously, Wallace was president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corp., where she led the 2.6 million-sq. ft. bayside facility for over 24 years. She was responsible for the overall man- agement and operation of the facility, oversaw a full-time and part-time staff of more than 420 and an annual budget that exceeded $33 million. Under her leadership, the San Diego Convention Center became one of the most successful global convention and meeting facilities advancing trade, tourism, and collaboration across the U.S. and the world. Wallace's leadership and dedication have earned her numerous industry and community accolades. In 2015, IAVM's International Convention Center Conference presented her with its Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given to an individual recognized by her or his peers for outstanding contributions to both IAVM and the convention center industry. In 2014, Ms. Wallace was named Professional Achievement Supplier Honoree by the Professional Convention Management Association. Wallace has been a leader also in advancing key policy and strategic initiatives for the industry over her 35-year career. She is a currently serving on the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (TTAB), a group responsible for advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on ways to strengthen the travel and tourism industry and expand economic opportunities for American businesses, including domestic job creation and visa waiver initiatives. Wallace is a chartering member, past chair and current board member of United States International University (USIU) – Nairobi, Kenya. She formerly served on boards for the San Diego Urban League; United Way CHAD; The American Lung Association; YWCA; Alliant University; and Home Savings' Partnership Council, the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the San Diego Hotel-Motel Association. Wallace is a graduate of The Ohio State University, is married, and the mother of three adult children. N E W S M A K E R S B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Martha Valdivia as director of Membership Development. Valdivia comes to the CHTA with a wealth of knowledge having worked with diverse stakeholders in the region in the fields of online marketing and distribution for over 10 years. "We are very happy to have Martha join our team and look forward to Martha applying her previous knowledge, expe- rience and background to assist the CHTA as we continue to evolve for the region, offering new opportunities for engage- ment, relevant benefits for all members and a joint voice for all stakeholders in the Caribbean," says, Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. Valdivia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University and earned her MBA through Cornell's IMHI-ESSEC joint degree program in Paris, France. CAROL WALLACE TO SERVE AS IAVM'S TEMPORARY EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT