News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the appointment of Alicia Reece as the state's Assistant Director for Travel and Tourism. The division of Travel and Tourism is located within the Ohio Department of Development.

"For nearly a decade, Alicia has been a central figure in developing a stronger tourism industry in Cincinnati," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director for the Ohio Department of Development. "Her leadership, enthusiasm and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the state's efforts to promote tourism and Ohio's outstanding quality of life."

Prior to joining ODOD, Reece served as Senior Vice President for the marketing and consulting firm, Communiplex Promotional Services. Reece has a distinguished career in public service which began in 1999 when she was elected to Cincinnati City Council at the age of 28. From 2002-2006, Reece served as the Vice Mayor for Ohio's 3rd largest city.

As Vice-Mayor, Reece led tourism and marketing efforts for the city, with accomplishments including: the creation of the "Cincinnati On the Move" tourism campaign; securing top national conventions including the NAACP National Convention and National Baptist Convention; and chairing City Council's Tourism and Small Business Committee, which oversaw the $135 million expansion of the Duke Energy Convention Center. Reece holds a degree in Communications from Grambling State University. A high resolution photo of Alicia Reece is available by clicking here.

Tourism is a major industry in Ohio. An estimated $30.7 billion was spent in Ohio last year on tourism related activities and the industry employs more than 560,000 Ohioans.

Reece will begin her duties as Assistant State Tourism Director May 15, 2007.

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Media Contact: Nikki Jaworski (614) 466-9161.