ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) has announced that Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority division (ACCVA) President Jeff Vasser has accepted a position to become the new Director General/CEO with the-Miami, Florida-based Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association.
Vasser was named President of the ACCVA in April 2002 and has since overseen the day-to-day operation of the authority’s management/administration, convention sales, marketing, media relations, and tourism divisions, as well as its approximately 60 employees, the 14,000-seat Boardwalk Hall and the 500,000-square-foot Atlantic City Convention Center. During that time, Vasser has led the ACCVA to several accomplishments that have played an integral part in growing the Atlantic City market as a tourism destination.
A sports initiative brought the A-10 college basketball tournament, the ECAC Men’s College Hockey championship, American Hockey League All-Star and regular season games, plus an NBA preseason game featuring the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets to Boardwalk Hall. Restaurant Week, now entering its sixth year, continues to be a tremendous success year-in and year-out. The convention sales production in Atlantic City saw a 100% increase during a three-year stretch from 2005 through 2008. And in 2008, the Atlantic City Convention Center committed itself towards preserving its pristine seaside environment by installing the largest single roof solar panel array, which generates 26% of the building’s energy.
Prior to joining the ACCVA, Vasser held positions with major hospitality companies, including Choice Hotels International, Laventhol & Horwath and Four Seasons Hotels. Vasser also served as Chief Financial Officer for Cipriani International, SA, in New York City and was a Senior Consultant for the Public Sector/Gaming and Entertainment Group for Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group.
Vasser is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Casino Management. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University with a concentration in Public Finance. He has also earned the Certified Hotel Administrator designation issued by the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
An Atlantic City area native, Vasser will remain in his current position at the ACCVA until October 18. In his new position with the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Vasser will oversee the federation of 35 national hotel associations throughout the Caribbean.
