Press Releases

Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau CEO
Announces Marketing Team


Media Contact: Ryan Smith, (919) 645-2676; rsmith@visitraleigh.com

RALEIGH, N.C. - Denny Edwards, CEO for The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), today unveiled his new Communications and Marketing Team as the Bureau gears up for a landmark year in 2008.

Edwards hired Mary Anne Kuhn as director of marketing, Charissa Todd as tourism marketing manager and promoted Ryan Smith to director of communications.

In addition to these moves, Edwards recently announced the promotion of Loren Gold as executive vice president and charged him with creating a vibrant sales, marketing and business development strategy for the Bureau.

"Raleigh is going through a remarkable renaissance this year and we're taking steps to ensure that the Bureau is able to properly position and promote the area's assets," Edwards said. "With the new convention center coming online, and new hotels and restaurants going up across the city, Raleigh has all the ingredients for visitors and conventions that are looking for an accessible, affordable and convenient destination."

As Director of Marketing, Kuhn is responsible for managing the creative development of all advertising, traditional and online marketing programs, community awareness, research and maintaining a strong internet presence. Her first priority is to oversee the Bureau's branding initiative, which will conclude in January with a public unveiling of the new brand in June. Kuhn comes to the Capital City from Phoenix, AZ where she owned Infusion Creative.

As Tourism Marketing Manager, Todd is charged with the development and management of promoting Raleigh and Wake County to leisure visitors. Current initiatives creating and managing all partner programs including hotel, restaurant and leisure packages.

Todd recently served as the Director of Membership and Web Site Manager for the Greater Wilmington (Delaware) Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Smith will now be the Bureau's liason to local, national and international media. She is charged with proactively pitching stories on Greater Raleigh as a premier leisure and meeting destination. Smith has been with the Bureau since 2005.

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit agency enhancing the economic growth and development of Raleigh and Wake County by increasing visitor and convention business.