Message From the Office of the GBTA President – Leadership Update

*The following post was also sent as an email to GBTA Members.*

Dear GBTA Members,

As a valued member of GBTA, I want you to know that, after ten years at the organization, Michael W. McCormick has chosen to step down to pursue new opportunities. Furthermore, Scott Solombrino has been appointed as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Association, effective immediately. Mr. McCormick will remain in an advisory role to Scott Solombrino and the Board to ensure a smooth transition as GBTA prepares for the 51st edition of our annual Convention this August in Chicago.

Since assuming the position of Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in August 2009, Mr. McCormick has led our organization through a period of unprecedented development, expansion and growth, effectively building and advancing the operation of GBTA and its presence internationally. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Mr. McCormick for his leadership and unwavering commitment to our organization and we welcome you to join us in wishing him the best of luck in his next endeavor.

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Solombrino as GBTA’s new Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer and gratefully appreciate his willingness to take on this critical role. We are confident that he will lead GBTA into the future with great accomplishment, distinction and success. Please note that Mr. Solombrino’s former role as president of GBTA Allied Leadership Council will be assumed immediately by Dorothy Dowling, Chief Marketing Officer & SVP, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, who previously served as the Council’s Vice President.

As always, thank you very much for your commitment and dedication to GBTA.

Best regards,

Christle Johnson
GBTA President