The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that Kathy Hoard will serve as the new CVB Advisory Board Chair. Her role will be to advocate for our local tourism and hospitality industry, serve as an advisor to the CVB staff and actively promote CVB activities.

Hoard was nominated for the position by Cardee Kilpatrick, CVB Advisory Board Chair from 2009 to 2016. “I view this appointment as an excellent opportunity to work with the staff of the CVB and other members of the Advisory Board in their efforts to promote and share our wonderful community as an outstanding destination for work or play,” says Hoard.

Hoard is a valued member and leader in our community. Since retiring from the University of Georgia, where she served in the Office of the VP for Public Service and Outreach, she has continued her involvement in Athens-Clarke County.

Hoard also served as a member of the Athens City Council and Athens-Clarke County Commission for 18 years prior to retiring from elected public office in December of 2014. In addition to her new role with the CVB, she currently serves as a member of the Board of Friends of Oconee Hill Cemetery, the Athens-Clarke County Hospital Authority and Lanier Gardens/Talmage Terrace. In previous years, she has also volunteered at organizations including the Athens Boys & Girls Club, the Athens Community Council on Aging and Friends of Five Points Neighborhood Association.

“I’ve known Ms. Hoard since she became an ACC Commissioner and have always been impressed with her keen understanding of tourism and its benefits to our community,” states CVB Director Chuck Jones. “She truly gets it! With her excellent understanding of the benefits of tourism, commendable leadership skills, and vast network, the whole CVB staff is most excited about her appointment as CVB advisory board chair.”