Tourism agency names ISO exec as interim director

The Indiana Office of Tourism Development has named Mark Newman as interim executive director, according to an announcement Friday by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman’s office, which oversees the state’s tourism agency.

Amy Vaughan, who had led the tourism agency since 2005, left at the end of May to become a professor in IUPUI’s Department of Tourism, Convention and Event Management.

Newman, who had been vice president of marketing and communications for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra the past six years, will start his new role Monday.

Prior to the ISO, Newman served as chief operating officer of the Indianapolis-based Indiana Sports Corp., which organizes major sporting events in Indianapolis.

In a statement, Skillman called Newman “a proven strategist recognized for his ability to increase revenue and engage customers.” Skillman’s tenure will end in January along with administration of two-term Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Newman holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts as well as a master’s degree in sport psychology from the University of Virginia.