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Going Places

Illinois
  • The Blackstone, A Renaissance Hotel in Chicago appointed Peter Psihas director of sales and marketing. Psihas will be responsible for developing and implementing the pre- and post opening sales and marketing programs for the hotel, which opens in December. Most recently, Psihas served as director of group sales at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott… Jim Gould was named general manager of the Hyatt Regency Woodfield in Schaumburg. Prior to his new position, Gould spent nine years with Accor Hotels, working for both Sofitel- and Novotel-brand properties. Most recently, he was the general manager of the Sofitel Chicago O’Hare… Chicago-based strategic communications and events agency ProActive hired Alexander S. MacKenzie as senior executive producer. MacKenzie has helped stage everything from World Congresses to concerts for Tony Bennett.

Indiana
  • The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association hired Scott Williamson as regional director of sales in its Washington, D.C., satellite office. Prior to joining the association, Williamson worked as senior director of eastern region sales for the Los Angeles CVB and, most recently, as the director of sales for the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau… The Bloomington/Monroe County CVB named Mike McAfee executive director. McAfee recently served as executive director of the Joplin [Mo.] CVB, and has 15 years of marketing and sales experience.

Iowa
  • The Iowa Tourism Office named Jeff Spence group/meetings/partnership manager. Spence, who has 15 years of tourism experience, was previously the director of sales and marketing and general manager at the Hotel Pattee in Perry.

Kansas
  • The Greater Wichita CVB promoted Maureen Hofrenning to vice president of sales, services and strategic planning and Jacob House to senior destination sales manager. Ken Vandruff was named director of communications and marketing of the CVB and Johanna Commer was promoted to marketing manager.

Minnesota
  • Meet Minneapolis named Annie Salmen director of membership and sponsorship. Salmen will direct and manage all programs relating to Meet Minneapolis membership, as well as create partnership opportunities between Meet Minneapolis and the business community.

Missouri
  • Leo Chandler was appointed area general manager at the St. Louis Airport Marriott and Dave Duncan was named director of sales and marketing. Chandler was formerly the general manager at the Toronto Airport Marriott in Canada. Duncan was formerly director of sales and marketing at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld in Florida… The Springfield CVB promoted Laura Whisler to communications director. Whisler is responsible for encouraging leisure and convention travel to Springfield as well as developing bureau publications. Gina Tullos was hired as partner development manager, a position formerly held by Whisler.