New CEO of Evansville CVB ready to roll, but has four positions to fill

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The new CEO of the Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jim Wood, says he's ready to hit the ground running in his new role and spin up fresh ideas to boost tourism in Evansville. 

Wood, who was a former tourism official in Louisville, Atlantic City, New Jersey and other communities, was hired as the new CEO on Dec. 30. His official start date was Jan. 15. 

Wood's salary is $170,000, which is about $50,000 more than his predecessor, Joe Taylor, who resigned back in September. 

One of Wood's first tasks will be to fully staff the operation, as there are currently four empty positions. 

The CVB has placed job listings for a director of sales, director of marketing, convention service manager and a sales position. 

The jobs are listed on LinkedIn and Indeed and are open to local candidates as well as prospects from other areas. 

Read More:Jim Wood named CEO of Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau

“I’m excited about the resumes I’ve received, and there’s a great deal of interest to bring in some very good candidates into our employ that will help Evansville be successful," Wood said at Monday's board meeting. 

He said the ideal type of candidate is someone with a hospitality background who has experience in hotel and convention sales. Social media and marketing experience are other skills he is looking for. 

"That’s the lane that we’re in, so we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running and understands the nature of the business," Wood said. 

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Going forward in his new role, Wood is also working on developing a strategic five-year plan that will promote tourism in Evansville. 

His goal is to analyze and find market segments that are interested in Evansville and that can benefit the city and go after those targets. 

The CVB will also contract with a consulting firm to conduct studies and identify new projects that will attract more groups and individuals to town.