San Antonio
Shanna Smith is the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau’s (SACVB) new chief of staff. In her new role, she will focus on the SACVB’s long-term strategic plan, producing critical executive messages, and overseeing the organization’s annual meeting, National Travel and Tourism Week initiative and Experience Dedicated Destination program. She will also continue to serve as the staff liaison for the SACVB Partner Taskforce.
With nine years in the hospitality industry, Smith was previously the SACVB’s partner relations manager for three years. In this role, she focused on partner communications, local media relations and communicating the importance of the travel and tourism industry to San Antonio. Prior to that, she was the director of communications and marketing for the City of Granbury, Texas, where she served as the leader for Visit Granbury and as the city’s Public Information Officer working with local, regional and national media.
“Shanna has done a tremendous job as Partner Communications Manager,” said Casandra Matej, executive director of the SACVB. “She exemplifies our Core Values and has a passion for the travel industry. As Chief of Staff, Shanna will be a key leader of the organization that will assist with organizational plans to include the CVB Transition and Long Term Strategic Planning, as well as serving as a liaison of internal and external stakeholders and partners.”
Smith has a strong commitment to the travel and tourism industry as well as her local community, participating on committees for the Texas Tourism Industry Association’s Texas Travel Unity Dinner, SACVB Core Values, and chairing the SACVB Wellness Committee. She was also selected to participate in the City of San Antonio Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program. Additionally, she has participated on committees for the Valero Alamo Bowl Volunteer & Hospitality Committee and Boysville’s “Wildest Auction In The West.” Shanna is also on the Executive Council for Hardin-Simmons University’s Board of Young Associates
A San Antonio native, Smith’s education includes an MBA in Business Management from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. and a Bachelor of Arts from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Tex. with a major in Communication – Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Business Administration.
