(Lancaster, Pa.) The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau (PA Dutch CVB) today announced the appointment of the 2009 chair and five new members to its Board of Directors. The board is comprised of professional tourism partners that govern the organization and ensure it is consistently aligned with its mission to promote and grow visitation to Lancaster County.
The term of board chair is one year, and the gavel is being passed from current chair Tim Lease, general manager of MainStay Suites in Mountville, to Kitchen Kettle Village’s Michelle Rondinelli, who is co-owner and managing director of the Intercourse-based property and served as the board’s chair-elect in 2008. She is a member of various organizations in Lancaster County, and grew up in the hospitality business as a third-generation owner/operator of the Village. She holds a bachelor’s in business management from York College.
“We’re very grateful for Tim’s invaluable contributions and leadership during the past year,” said Chris Barrett, president and CEO of the PA Dutch CVB. “We look forward to building on this work with Michelle, who brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table.”
The following four individuals were appointed to the board, each for a three-year term:
Jan Garrabrandt is co-owner of The Artist’s Inn and Gallery bed & breakfast in Terre Hill, as well as The Olde Stone Cottage and The Carriage House. She is also in her fourth year of partnering with Harvest Moon B&B in New Holland to conduct culinary tours of Lancaster. Garrabrandt is a recent recipient of the PA Dutch CVB’s annual Spirit of Hospitality Award, and is the Internet chair for the Authentic Bed and Breakfasts of Lancaster County. She graduated from Chancellor University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Craig Lehman currently serves as a Lancaster County Commissioner. Previously, he worked as both a budget and research analyst for the PA House of Representatives. The U.S. Navy veteran has also served as Lancaster City Controller and on the Lancaster City Council, and sits on various boards in Lancaster County. Lehman received a bachelor’s in public administration from Shippensburg University and a master’s in policy analysis from Penn State University.
Kevin Molloy is the executive director of the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority. Prior to his arrival in Lancaster, Molloy served as general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, facility administrator for the Polk County (Iowa) Convention Complex, and acting executive director of the Blue Water Area CVB in Port Huron, Mich. He is a twenty-year member of the International Association of Assembly Managers, and holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.
Rick Stammel started working in hospitality at the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company in 1977, steadily rising to his current position as vice president and general manager of the Dutch Wonderland Family Entertainment Complex in Lancaster. Stammel is an active member of the Lancaster County Tourism Development Council and the advisory committee for the Route 30 Gateway Enhancement Plan. He is a graduate of Penn State University.
In addition, Jennifer Buchter of Thomas E. Strauss, Inc., in Ronks will serve out the remaining year of a currently unexpired term. She is the director of sales for Miller’s Smorgasbord in Ronks, as well as Plain & Fancy Farm and AmishView Inn & Suites in Bird-in-Hand. Buchter previously managed the Lancaster County Reservation Center and, prior to that, held operational and sales positions with Holiday Inn and Sheraton properties in the Lancaster area. She received a liberal arts degree from Penn State University.
“The addition of Jan, Craig, Kevin, Rick, and Jennifer ensures our organization and membership will continue to benefit from a range of knowledge and opinions. Each of them possesses strong leadership skills and a proven track record, and we’re very excited to have them join our board,” Barrett stated.
Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life – featuring galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music – or explore some of the surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us today at www.discoverlancasterpa.com.
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