For Immediate Release
For More Information, Contact:
Amanda Koone, Director of Communications
Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau
communications@fbgtx.org
FREDERICKSBURG, Texas – The Board of Directors of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau (FCVB) have chosen Brady Closson, CDME, as the organization’s next President/CEO.
“We are excited to bring Brady onboard to continue to move Fredericksburg and Gillespie County forward as one of the premier travel experiences in Texas,” said Doug Cochran, chair of the FCVB board. “Brady’s eight years of experience at the Grapevine CVB will serve him well as he assumes leadership of our destination marketing organization.”
Closson provided direction, supervision and consultation for all departments of the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Grapevine Convention Center. He also oversaw 12 annual festivals and the operation of the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Previous to that Closson was employed for 12 years by the Hyatt Hotels Corporation in sales and marketing positions in California, Virginia and in Texas.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to join the FCVB team,” Closson said. “The FCVB team continues to do a tremendous job with the marketing and promotion of all Fredericksburg and Gillespie County stakeholders to regional, national and international travelers. It is truly an honor to join the exceptional team that Ernie has assembled to continue to promote and advance the mission of Fredericksburg, Gillespie County and the FCVB.”
In his position with the FCVB, the destination marketing organization for Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, Closson will be charged with providing leadership, direction, and guidance to all team members to ensure that the mission and vision of the FCVB continue to be achieved.
Closson will officially start with the organization on October 17, 2022, replacing Ernie Loeffler, who will officially retire from his position after 24 years with the FCVB on October 31, 2022.
Closson says his goals include optimizing financial results and exceeding visitor expectations. Through strong relationship building and partner collaboration, he hopes to maximize opportunities for existing stakeholder businesses while being a voice for intentional and sustainable economic development. He will continue to grow the FCVB as a shared value within the community.
Areas of expertise for Closson include stakeholder relations, relationship selling, budgeting, forecasting and management.
Closson completed the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program in June of this year, which is offered by Destinations International and is considered the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategy.
He currently serves on the board of directors for the Hotel Association of Tarrant County and the Visit DFW marketing organization. He is also a member of the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus and the Texas Travel Alliance.
Closson has been married to his wife Lindsay for 15 years, and they have two young boys, future Battlin’ Billies in Caiden (5 years old) and Cameron, aka Baby Cam (18 months).
“Please help us extend a warm Fredericksburg and Gillespie County welcome to Brady and his family,” Cochran concluded.
In accordance with the organization’s bylaws the FCVB Board has full responsibility for the hiring of a new president/CEO. The process to hire Closson started in early July when the FCVB board announced the formation of a search committee to find the next president/CEO.
The 10-member search committee consisted of the four members of the Executive Committee of the FCVB Board of Directors, the executive director of the Gillespie County Economic Development Commission and three additional members of the local hospitality community, as well as a representative from both the Fredericksburg City Council and the Gillespie County Commissioners. Meanwhile, SearchWide Global, a full-service executive search firm, oversaw the search process and provided the search committee with a list of qualified and vetted candidates.
To learn more about the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau or Fredericksburg and Gillespie County as a travel destination, go to VisitFredericksburgTX.com.
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The mission of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau is to market Fredericksburg and Gillespie County as a premier travel destination on the regional, national and international stage thereby creating a positive impact on the local economy and the quality of life here.