LINCOLN, NEB. -2012-12-05 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kathy McKillip has been hired by the Nebraska Tourism Commission to be the agency’s executive director.
McKillip has served as the director of the Nebraska Travel and Tourism Division since October 2011. Prior to that, she was hired by the Department of Economic Development (DED) as interim director and as key coordinator to facilitate a statewide tourism strategic plan required by LB 684, which was passed and signed by Gov. Dave Heineman in 2011.
Nebraska Travel and Tourism, previously a division of DED, became a stand-alone (non-code) government agency July 1 under LB 1053 introduced by Sen. LeRoy Louden. The legislation provided the Commission the ability to hire an executive director. After several months of deliberation, the Commission offered McKillip the position.
Commission Chairman Mike Kesselring of Crawford said McKillip has a strong place in her heart for the treasures of Nebraska.
“Kathy’s enthusiasm and ability to get the job done have become self-evident,” Kesselring said. “Her investment in the newly developed strategic plan is contagious and we are in anticipation of a facelift for Nebraska tourism and economic development as a whole.
“She cares about the contributions of all involved in Nebraska tourism from the small mom-and-pop tourism entrepreneur to the state’s largest convention and visitors bureaus.”
Commissioner Jeff Boeka of North Platte echoed those sentiments.
“Over the past year plus that she has served as director, Kathy has done a great job getting us to where we are as a commission,” Boeke said. “She has proven that she is aggressive in marketing the state, has moved forward with the strategic plan and has had a positive influence on tourism in the state.”
Commissioner John Chapo of Lincoln noted that as a native Nebraskan, McKillip brings great awareness and appreciation to the task of marketing the state.
“Kathy has great amounts of energy and great amounts of insight,” Chapo said. “I am excited that she has elected to accept our offer.”
During her time as the state tourism division director, McKillip developed a Nebraska Travel Consultant Certification program for the state’s visitor centers, earned recognition for the state under the Destination Marketing Accredited Program, built strong partnerships with other state entities, orchestrated major media tours of the state and shepherded the transition process from a division to an agency.
“Kathy has made great strides to move the tourism industry forward since taking the helm of the tourism division (and now agency),” said Commissioner Deb Loseke of Columbus. “She has embraced the industry and strategic plan along with moving many projects forward. Her drive to get a job done with determination, creativity and passion will be a great asset to Nebraska and the tourism industry. I look forward to working on many future projects with her.”
McKillip continually emphasizes the need for Nebraskans to believe in the tourism opportunities the state has to offer. The tourism industry needs to trust and believe in each other as leaders united for the common cause of increased visits and increased revenue, she said.
“I am honored that the Commissioners have placed such a high level of confidence in me,” McKillip said. “I look forward to listening to the multitude of industry leaders, stakeholders and to fellow Nebraskans about how we can all work together to promote and enhance tourism for Nebraska.
“I am blessed to have the support and encouragement of all nine Tourism Commissioners as we take this industry to the next level together.”
McKillip has spent more than 19 years in the field of community capacity building, and has an extensive background in planning, economic development, community and rural development, public participation, population trends, marketing initiatives and community connections as these relate to demographic and cultural shifts.
She attended Nebraska City High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s in science organizational management with an economic emphasis from Peru State College.
Tourism is vital to the economic growth of Nebraska. As one of the state’s top three industries, alongside agriculture and manufacturing, travel spending accounts for 45,600 Nebraska jobs and an overall economic impact of $2.70 for each dollar spent by tourists.
A one-percent lodging tax provides funding for Nebraska Tourism to promote statewide attractions, attract visitors to Nebraska and enhance the use of travel and tourism facilities within the state. Lodging tax revenue reached a new high in 2011 totaling more than $14.2 million, which resulted in $3.98 million for the state.
The Commission works to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state.
Some of the Tourism executive director responsibilities include the marketing of Nebraska attractions and events, developing and managing a budget, monitoring national trends in travel and tourism, preparing legislation related to tourism, providing a cohesive approach to the Commission’s vision and participating in strategic policy planning.
Order your free travel guide today at VisitNebraska.com. Then stay connected with Nebraska Tourism on our Visit Nebraska Facebook page, on Twitter, on Pinterest and on YouTube.
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FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Kathy McKillip at 800-426-6505, 402-471-1558
or kathy.mckillip@nebraska.gov
Shannon Peterson at 800-228-4307, 402-471-3797
or Shannon.j.peterson@nebraska.gov