Bennish Brown Named President and CEO of the Augusta CVB

Bennish Brown has been appointed president and CEO of the Augusta (Georgia) Convention & Visitors Bureau following a nationwide search. He most recently served as president and CEO of Travel Tacoma + Pierce County, the destination marketing organization for Tacoma and Pierce County, Washington.

“We’re excited to welcome Bennish to Augusta,” said Augusta CVB Board Chair Phil Wahl. “After a nationwide search, his proven track record in recruiting visitors for both convention and leisure travel to stimulate economic impact through visitor spending was unmatched. We’re confident that Bennish will pursue and achieve the vision and objectives of the organization while continuing to cultivate the growth and innovation we’re already seeing throughout Augusta’s River Region.”

Before Bennish started at Travel Tacoma + Pierce County in 2012, he served for 12 years as executive director of the Rock Hill/York County (South Carolina) Convention & Visitors Bureau. Bennish’s tourism experience also includes serving on the board of directors of Destinations International and the Washington Tourism Alliance, as well as immediate past chair of the Washington State Destination Marketing Organizations Association.

“It brings me back to a part of the country where I’ve spent most of my life,” said Brown, who is a South Carolina native. “I’m excited to be part of leadership efforts to help grow Augusta’s economy through effective tourism sales and marketing efforts. Along with promoting Augusta’s unique assets, I hope to continue to foster partnerships with community stakeholders, including the city, chamber of commerce and economic development authority, as well as hoteliers, attractions, restaurants and cultural organizations, to not only develop Augusta as a world-class destination, but champion an improved quality of life for its residents.”