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A 30-year veteran at Hamilton County Tourism Inc. has been named the organization’s new CEO, the nonprofit announced Friday.
Karen Radcliff, who most recently served vice president and chief strategy officer, was appointed by the Hamilton County Tourism board of directors to lead the nonprofit, which promotes tourism in the county and provides grants to tourism-based organizations.
Radcliff joined Hamilton County Tourism in 1995 as a communications specialist and has worked in different positions within the 27-employee organization over the past 30 years.
“It’s been incredible to witness the evolution of Hamilton County, Indiana, throughout the years and I am honored for the opportunity to lead Hamilton County Tourism during this stage of our destination’s growth and development,” Radcliff said in written remarks.
Radcliff succeeds David West, who was named Hamilton County Tourism CEO in November before leaving the position in February.
Hamilton County Tourism Communications Manager Gabby Blauert said West stepped away to “prioritize his family and other professional aspirations.” West replaced Brenda Myers, who led Hamilton County Tourism for 19 years before her retirement last year.
“Karen’s vast knowledge of the tourism industry, her dedication to Hamilton County and proven leadership make her the perfect candidate to fill this role,” Mudsock Youth Athletics Executive Director and Hamilton County Tourism Board Chair Scott Spillman said in written remarks.
During her career at Hamilton County Tourism, Radcliff has led the organization through a 10-year strategic planning process and developed partnerships and research that led to building Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield. She also oversaw the creation of the county’s sports tourism capital fund that is meant to influence new tourism development in Hamilton County.
“Over the past 30 years, Karen has shown a great commitment to promoting and growing our community’s assets in a strategic way,” Spillman said. “The board is confident she will lead this organization forward, working diligently alongside the dynamic team she has helped to build.”
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Congrats: Many years ago I was one of two of us that helped form the Hamilton County Economic Development functions. Gil Kett , ( Now deceased) and myself were instrumental in that effort under the direction of Mayor Dottie Hancock at the time. We also along with Alan Burns helped form the Carmel/Clay Community Foundation, which later became the Legacy Fund. I think this has become a part of the larger master foundation serving central Indiana. Best of Luck. Thank you
Makes one wonder why Ms Radcliffe was not tapped for the position prior to going outside for a candidate? She was certainly qualified then as now!