The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has promoted five individuals to the role of senior vice president. They are Corey Hopwood, senior VP, IT; Bonna Johnson, senior VP, corporate communications; Debra Smith, senior VP, visitor experience; David Spencer, senior VP, events; and Scott Wright, senior VP, sales.
“These promotions reflect our appreciation of their hard work and also a need to expand our leadership structure as Nashville’s profile as a global destination has risen and more tourism-related projects come to the city,” said Deana Ivey, president of NCVC. “We are proud of the instrumental work of our entire staff as we market and sell the city, produce large events and generate economic activity for Nashville.”
Hopwood has over 20 years of experience in information technology, including the past three years at the NCVC. He previously worked for the State of Tennessee and Wilson & Associates Engineering & Surveying, besides running his own information technology company.
Johnson has been with the NCVC since 2015 and previously held the title of VP, corporate communications. Prior to that she served in the Mayor’s Office under former Mayor Karl Dean, handling duties as press secretary and later as communications director, and before that she worked as a reporter for The Tennessean.
Smith is a 32-year veteran in the hospitality sector, including nearly 20 years at the NCVC, where she previously held the title of VP, visitor experience and digital marketing. She has handled the strategic leadership of website development and other digital initiatives at NCVC. She previously held roles at Drury Hotels and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.
Spencer has spent 30 years in the events and hospitality industry, including nearly 18 years at the NCVC. He previously served as VP, events and also led the organization’s convention services team. Before joining the NCVC, he worked at the Nashville Arena (now Bridgestone Arena) as part of the venue’s grand opening team and before that at the Miami Arena.
Wright is a 33-year industry veteran and has spent the past 22 years working for the NCVC, most recently as VP, sales. Before returning to Nashville, he served as associate director of sales at the San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau and previously held positions with Fairmont Hotels, Loews Hotels and Hyatt Hotels.
Earlier this year, Heather Middleton was elevated to the position of senior VP, marketing in January. Middleton has 25 years of PR and marketing experience across music, sports, television and hospitality, including 16 years with the NCVC as VP, public relations. She has previously held roles at The Buntin Group, Warner Music Nashville, USA Networks and HBO.
The NCVC reorganized its top leadership structure earlier this year with the promotion of Ivey to the position of president with Butch Spyridon retaining the title of CEO. Ivey, who has been with the organization since 1997, previously served as executive VP and chief marketing officer, while Spyridon held the dual title of president and CEO. Additionally, Scott Schult, formerly in the hospitality industry in Myrtle Beach and St. Petersburg/Clearwater, was appointed as chief marketing officer. Among other promotions earlier this year at the NCVC, Andrea Arnold was elevated to chief public affairs officer; Adrienne Siemers was elevated to chief sales officer; and Marie Sueing was elevated to chief diversity officer.
For more information, visit www.visitmusiccity.com.
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