The Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the official destination marketing and management organization for Athens - Clarke County, has announced that Katie Bishop Williams will join the staff as the new CVB director. Williams succeeds Chuck Jones, who has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Outreach of The Classic Center. Jones will oversee not only the Athens CVB but also The Classic Center's sales and marketing departments as well as the Classic Center Cultural Foundation.
 
“We look forward to welcoming Katie to the CVB, The Classic Center and Athens,” said Jones, “and are excited about the wonderful skill set that Katie brings to the table. We know she will be a major asset to our community by being a first-rate economic development leader.”
 
As the director, Williams will manage the CVB in accordance with the guidelines established by The Classic Center Authority. This position will report directly to the vice president of sales, marketing and outreach. The primary responsibilities are to carry out the goals and objectives established in the program of work, effectively promote Athens, maintain budget guidelines, continue to research new prospects, and oversee the coordination of Athens’ resources and partners to reap the maximum benefits for the meetings and conventions, sports tourism and leisure tourism markets.
 
Williams is the current executive director of Discover Dunwoody, Georgia, that city's destination marketing and management organization. She is a native of Marietta, a graduate of the University of Georgia and a certified Travel Marketing Professional from the Southeast Tourism Society. Williams started her career in the tourism industry in Thomasville, Georgia, as the tourism coordinator in 2008, before moving into the executive director position at Discover Dunwoody, Georgia, in November 2009. In 2015, she was named a “30 under 30” tourism professional by Destinations International, the trade organization for CVBs and destination marketing and management organizations. In her current role, Williams leads the marketing and sales strategy and collaborates with community partners to further develop the economic development and marketing strategy for tourism.
  
“As a Georgia Bulldog and tourism professional, it is a dream come true to be joining the Athens CVB and The Classic Center,” said Williams. “Athens has so much to offer as a destination for leisure tourism, sports and conventions, and I look forward to promoting this vibrant community.”
 
Williams will assume the duties of the CVB director on March 16.