Louisville Tourism Announces an Executive Promotion, Vice President Retirement and a National Search for an Open Position

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 20, 2021) – As current Chief Operating Officer Cleo Battle prepares to take over the leadership of Louisville Tourism following the July 1 retirement of Karen Williams, the current President and Chief Executive Officer, the following staff changes are announced.

The promotion of Doug Bennett from Senior Vice President of Convention Development to Executive Vice President. Bennett began his career with Louisville Tourism in 2015, managing the convention sales team. There will not be a replacement COO and Bennett will transition to his new role on July 1, 2021.

Additionally, Angi Van Berg, who joined Louisville Tourism in 1996, will retire as Vice President of Trade Show Sales in August, where she has been responsible for booking large trade shows requiring 1,501 peak hotel room nights and above.

“Angi has served her hometown well for 24 years and leaves behind a record of success and national brand recognition on behalf of Louisville,” said Cleo Battle, COO. She is an invaluable member of Louisville Tourism known for her energy, humor and love for this organization. Angi will be missed by our industry clients, as well as everyone at Louisville Tourism and we are thrilled to hear of her plans to support her husband’s business and enjoy more quality time with her sons.”

“It has been a privilege to sell my hometown nationally and Louisville Tourism has provided a platform for a career that perfectly matched my skill set. I will remain one of Louisville’s biggest cheerleaders and am looking forward to spending more time supporting my husband, Tom, with his business and enjoying more valuable time with our wonderful sons, Tanner and Tyler.”

With the promotion of Bennett, a national search will be conducted for a Senior Vice President of Convention Development. This position is responsible for managing the convention sales team to achieve annual room night goals to maximize Louisville as a convention destination.

“Doug has been instrumental in helping Louisville meet and exceed sales goals in the convention market during his tenure, while also mitigating business loss while the Kentucky International Convention Center was closed for renovations, as well as managing the recent shifting of business during the pandemic. Doug’s extensive background with hotels, destination management and large national tradeshows has been invaluable to our team,” said Battle.