News Release
ACVB Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
Anchorage, Alaska, May 11, 2007 – The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) board of directors have appointed Julie Saupe as president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective May 16, 2007.
Saupe, a five-year veteran as vice president of ACVB’s Community & Visitor Relations department, has extensive non-profit management experience and a keen sense of the Alaska tourism industry. Prior to her leadership role at ACVB, Saupe was the Executive Director for the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Cooperative Marketing Manager at the Alaska Visitor’s Association (AVA), now known as the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA). Specifically, Saupe’s strengths bring long-term destination planning and development to ACVB, capitalizing on Anchorage’s appeal to both visitors and convention delegates as a key travel market.
“Anchorage is a magnificent destination with limitless potential,” says Saupe. “The success of the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center will be a primary focus that, combined with the appeal of the city’s adventurous travel surroundings, will provide tremendous opportunity for growth.”
Saupe, a 31-year resident of Alaska who resides in Eagle River, was selected from a field of 60 applicants by an executive search committee consisting of five members from ACVB’s board of directors.
“During the past seven years under the leadership of departing President Bruce Bustamante, ACVB has developed progressive and groundbreaking programs in key areas of consumer and travel trade marketing, convention sales and community awareness,” says Dave Karp, chief operating officer for Northern Air Cargo and chair of ACVB’s board of directors. “Julie’s extensive travel industry background and strong marketing skills will be a tremendous asset toward moving Anchorage to the next level in a highly competitive arena.”
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by one-third of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. One-third goes to the Municipality’s general fund and one-third goes to the Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center construction project. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
Contacts:
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118
Dave Karp
Chief Operations Officer
Northern Air Cargo/ACVB Board of Directors Chair
