Columbia County CVB Announces New Executive Director

The Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is pleased to announce that Shelly Blackburn, former Associate Director, has been selected as the new Executive Director.  Mrs. Blackburn, who has been with the CCCVB for over eight years, started as the Public Relations Intern before being promoted to the Associate Director of Sales and Marketing.  Prior to her employment with the CCCVB, Shelly served as an Account Executive for Columbia County Magazine.  She is a graduate of Evans High School with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from Georgia Southern University.

Mrs. Blackburn is currently serving her second term as the President of Georgia’s Classic South Regional Travel Association and is a graduate of Southeast Tourism Society’s (STS) Marketing College where she received her Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) certification. Shelly is a recipient of the prestigious STS “Forty for the Future: Travel’s leading talent” award.

According to Matt Ivey, Chairman of the Board of Directors, “many qualified and diversified applicants were interviewed for the position of Executive Director; however, Shelly exemplified greater experience and knowledge for the position and shows a deep passion for Columbia County. The Board of Directors is very excited to have Shelly as a part of their team and serving in this capacity.”

About the Columbia County CVB: The mission of the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau is to promote Columbia County as a distinctive recreational, professional, and cultural destination in order to support and stimulate the local economy. To learn more, visit www.columbiacountyitshere.com.