Little Rock CVB (LRCVB) named Gina Gemberling its new president and CEO.
The announcement was made by the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission (LRA&P) following an executive session at its February 23 meeting. Gemberling, currently senior vice president of sales for the LRCVB, replaces current President & CEO Gretchen Hall, who left the bureau to accept the role of COO for Destinations International.
“The hospitality industry is complex and evolving rapidly. A seasoned professional with decades of experience in every facet of the business is hard to find and Gina was a perfect fit,” said LRA&P Chairman Jim Keet in a statement. “She is not only respected by her peers, commissioners and the staff, but she has done an excellent job in her senior leadership role at LRCVB for the past four years, and I am a firm believer in hiring from within the organization when an existing employee is ready to fill a vacancy.
“By making this decision we are able to capitalize on her experience and organizational knowledge as well as create a smooth transition in leadership and maximize the time before Gretchen’s departure,” he added.
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Gemberling joined the LRCVB in January 2018 as vice president of sales and services and was promoted to senior vice president of sales and marketing in 2020. A 30-year tourism veteran, she started her career in the hotel industry prior to joining the Springfield Illinois CVB (SCVB) in 1993, where she served until relocating to join the LRCVB in 2018. During her 24 years at the SCVB, Gina worked in various sales and marketing roles, and then four years as the organization’s executive director.
“I am honored to be selected to lead the LRCVB and appreciate the confidence and support of the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission,” Gemberling said in a statement. “I want to thank Gretchen for her leadership, and building the durable organization that withstood the pandemic and positioned the LRCVB on the path to emerge stronger than before. I am fortunate to represent a destination that is ideal for both convention and leisure travelers and work alongside a team of dedicated industry sales, marketing and service professionals that will continue to help guide Little Rock’s destination marketing organization and facilities.”
