Tourism board announces organizational update
UPPERMERION » The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board (VFTCB) moved into 2021 with the announcement of several staffing promotions.
“It’s always great to see leaders step up, especially in times of crisis, so we see this situation as an opportunity to recognize the awesome talent we have in our organization,” Mike Bowman, president & CEO of the VFTCB, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it’s important to reward those who’ve helped overcome adversity so that we can take positive steps forward.”
Jake Markezin has been promoted to vice president of operations. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, he oversees the day-to-day operations for the organization’s 14-member team including finance, IT, and human capital management. Markezin’s
guidance has “successfully led the team through the difficult COVID-19 public health pandemic by keeping the staff educated, wellinformed, and prepared, while simultaneously making tough decisions due to the coronavirus budgetary restrictions,” according to a press release. He is also leading a regional diversity and inclusion committee. A graduate of Susquehanna University, Markezin has dedicated more than 20 years to the VFTCB and the tourism and hospitality industry.
Rachel Riley has been pro
moted to senior director of communications. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, she will continue to oversee communications/presentations, public relations, and social media, but her role is expanding to include government and regional relations, arts and culture, sales partnerships, and board business. In addition to serving as a spokeswoman for the organization, Riley helped launch Bike Montco and other videos, led the #MontCoStrong T-shirt and Freedom from Hunger community fundraisers, and filled in with both social media coverage and creative oversight due to staff reductions. Since 2018, she has helped the organization apply for and win almost 100 awards. Riley holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Holy Family University, and was named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR.
Justine Garbarino has been promoted to senior director of marketing & business development. In 2020, Garbarino managed coordination of the Make It Main Street partnership with Montgomery County/Commerce Department, supervised the organization’s first-ever all-digital Annual Report, created a co-op recovery package for restaurants, and filled in with website and mobile app content management due to staff reductions. Reporting directly to the president and CEO, Garbarino will continue to oversee co-op, Main Street, web/apps, digital marketing media buys/analytics, and will take over creative.
Under her direction, more than 80 partners have invested more than $500,000 in the co-op program. Garbarino previously worked as a broadcast television producer for the FOX News affiliates in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in media studies from The Catholic University of America.
Jared Spackman has been promoted to creative manager. This year, Jared completed more than 275 creative projects, without the help of outside agency support, including: #MontCoStrong t-shirt logo, Montco Wellness for Events brand, Crave Montco spring and fall digital guides, new membership program, Main Street logo, #MakeItMontco Hotel Package branding, and VFNHP/VFTCB Visitor Center Welcome Space design. A former intern, Jared has worked at the VFTCB since 2017, and holds an associate degree in specialized technology from Antonelli Institute.