Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau Names Matthew Lewis as Executive Director
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Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau Names Matthew Lewis as Executive Director
Bay Area Travel and Hospitality Professional Begins Duties February 1
6 December 2016 — Richmond, CA: Matt Lewis, 49, has been named Executive Director of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitrichmondca.com) The Director of Global Sales for San Francisco’s iconic Nikko Hotel for the past 11 years, Lewis will begin his new duties February 1. The well-respected and widely known Bay Area hospitality industry professional has previously held positions with San Francisco Travel, Kimpton Hotels and the San Mateo County Convention Bureau. Originally from Westerville, Ohio, Lewis is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Richmond Convention Bureau. Thank you to the Search Committee and Board Members for their support and confidence,” said Lewis, who has made his home in San Pablo since 2009. “One of my favorite quotes is by Emerson and it is ‘Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ I am looking forward to leading more people to experience the path of unique hospitality and beauty that is Richmond, literally at my back door.”
“Matthew is one of our own,” said Marsha Tomassi, outgoing Board President of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau noting his East Bay home. “The combination of Matt’s deep experience with the hotel and travel industry and his knowledge of the area make him uniquely qualified to lead our tourism efforts.”
“The next few years will see Richmond more and more a travel destination for the Bay Area and beyond,” said incoming CVB Board President Rauly Butler of Mechanics Bank noting that the long-anticipated ferry service linking Richmond to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area is slated to begin in the next year. “Having Matt’s expertise and relationships onboard is a real boon.”
“Matt has a way of connecting with people that is a gift and is a true inspiration,” said Anna Marie Presutti, Vice President / General Manager of the Nikko Hotel. “His ability to bring people and businesses together for the greater good will prove to be a terrific benefit for the city of Richmond.”
The Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (RCVB) is a 501 c-6 not-for-profit trade association formed in 2004. It is funded by a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and is one of over 70 Marketing Tourism Business Improvement Districts throughout the State of California. The mission of the RCVB is to create awareness of areas of Richmond that offer visitor related opportunities including lodging, shopping, dining, attractions, museums, historic preservation, recreation, festivals, events and meetings. The RCVB is dedicated to collaborating with other organizations that offer opportunities for tourism and visitors. The RCVB relays a positive message while encouraging visitation, increasing hotel stays, as well as direct and indirect spending on hospitality-related services.