DANVILLE, IN (January 28, 2014) - When Jaime Bohler Smith arrived at Visit Hendricks County in November 2002, she joined recently retired Executive Director Emory Lencke and two college students that shared front-desk duties as the organization's entire staff.

More than 11 years later, that staff has grown to six full-time and three part-time employees, which Smith will now lead after the Hendricks County Tourism Commission promoted her as the new Executive Director of Visit Hendricks County late last week replacing Lencke.

Smith, who had served as the interim Executive Director since Lencke announced his retirement late last year, will be the organization's fourth Executive Director since its inception in 1999.

"I'm honored to be named Executive Director of Visit Hendricks County," Smith said. "I'm proud of the past work that has been done in creating sustainable communities here including my hometown of Danville. Having grown up right here, and choosing to raise my family here, I truly believe in the power of tourism in regards to economic development and jobs, how it helps small businesses and how it improves the quality of life for residents."      

Visit Hendricks County, formerly the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau, promotes the county as a destination by advertising and supporting all of the local attractions, events and other happenings. The organization is completely funded by a visitor pass-through tax, meaning its budget rests solely on overnight stays at Hendricks County hotels.

Smith served as Visit Hendricks County's Associate Director the past eight years. Prior to that, her titles at Visit Hendricks County included Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Marketing & Communications. In all, she has 15 years of experience in destination management including four years as Sales Manager for the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Since being named Associate Director in 2006, she has been responsible for destination marketing planning, product development, special promotions, database marketing and human resources. As Executive Director, she will also oversee organizational administration and government affairs.

"Visit Hendricks County and the Tourism Commission are so lucky to have such a talented person in Jaime as our next Executive Director," said Lance Angle, Hendricks County Tourism Commission President. "I am very excited about the continued growth in tourism that the team at VHC brings to our county and look forward to building on that growth with Jaime at the helm."

Smith holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Marian University. She has been a two-time finalist for Indy's Best and Brightest. She is a 2003 graduate of Leadership Hendricks County and a member of several local boards of directors including the Association of Indiana Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Danville Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Danville Partnership and Hendricks County Parks and Recreation.

Smith resides in Pittsboro with her husband Scott and two children, Connor and Paige.

The Hendricks County Tourism Commission d/b/a Visit Hendricks County attracts visitors to the county by promoting and developing tourism, which stimulates economic growth and enhances quality of life. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitHendricksCounty and become a fan for updates and reminders, contest info and much more. You can also follow us on Twitter @HendricksCounty or get updates by following or subscribing to our tourism blog at TourHendricksCounty.com/blog. For more information, visit our website at TourHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.

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