The Galveston Park Board announced that Michael Woody will join the Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) as its Chief Tourism Officer. Mr. Woody, most recently Vice President of Community Relations and Development for Visit San Antonio, will begin working with the CVB on July 18.
Mr. Woody will direct tourism efforts for Galveston on behalf of the CVB, the island’s official sales, and marketing organization. He and his team are expected to devise and implement strategies that align with the CVB’s mission to further the success of Galveston as a premier tourist destination while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
“What impressed the hiring committee the most was Michael’s breadth of knowledge and talent in many areas and his track record for developing strategic partnerships,” Park Board Executive Director Kelly de Schaun said. “Galveston is at a peak in terms of visitation and we look forward to his vision to keep tourism on the island moving in the right direction.”
Mr. Woody brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality and tourism with an emphasis on operations, sales, marketing, communications, and public relations. He served as the Chief Operations Officer at Meeting Professionals International and the Assistant Executive Director at the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has also worked for American Airlines as the publisher of the in-flight collection of magazines, overseeing American Way, Celebrated Living and American Airlines Nexos as well as the custom publishing portfolio of magazines. In addition, his background includes management positions with national restaurant chains and global hotel brands.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The University of North Texas where he currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Governors for the college. Michael also serves on the Board of Advisors for the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.