The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau has hired Benjamin Ray as Sales Manager. Ray previously worked as an event planner for The Classic Center in Athens, Ga.

With a BFA in Theatre Arts from Valdosta State University and a BA and MA in Romance Languages from the University of Georgia, Ray has applied his wealth of knowledge in communication, travel and culture to previously held positions as the Box Office Supervisor and Cultural Foundation Liaison with The Classic Center and as the Special Projects Assistant to the Director at the Georgia Museum of Art.

As a member of the Athens CVB team, Ray will work to bring visitors and events to Athens through promoting the many unique aspects of the city such as the thriving food scene, innovative cultural community, and The Classic Center’s exceptional convention venues.

“Ben Ray has been a valued member of The Classic Center team and the CVB has worked with him on many projects," said CVB Director Chuck Jones. “We know from experience that he’ll be an asset to the CVB.”