The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau recently announced that Angela Val will join the organization as Chief Administrative Officer. Val, who most recently served as Deputy Executive Director for the 2016 Philadelphia Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention, will manage the internal day-to-day operations of the PHLCVB, reporting directly to President & CEO Julie Coker Graham. She will be responsible for implementing strategic planning, creating and executing a comprehensive external affairs plan and developing business guidelines in support of the organization’s mission and goals.
“Angela is a strategic leader with proven success directing internal resources as well as external partners and stakeholders over the course of her career,” stated Julie Coker Graham, PHLCVB president and CEO. “Her resourcefulness, ability to effectively manage projects from conception through completion and her knowledge of our industry will strengthen the PHLCVB’s efforts to generate economic impact for the region through meetings and conventions, overseas tourism and marquee events.”
“I am excited to join the, yes-we-can, never-stop-until-you-get-it-done staff of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Val. “Their great work in attracting meetings, conventions and overseas international travelers to Philadelphia has made them an economic engine for our region and an excellent organization to continue my hospitality career. I look forward to contributing to their growth and momentum.”
Val brings to the PHLCVB 20+ years of varied experience in several roles, during which she acquired extensive experience in relationship and team management, legislative affairs, effective marketing and branding techniques, strategic program direction and large event execution. She recently served as Deputy Director for the 2016 Philadelphia Host Committee for the DNC, where she successfully engineered and executed four city-wide promotional events as well as three DNC kickoff celebrations, managed multimillion dollar budgets, strict deadlines and an array of additional responsibilities including fundraising initiatives.
Prior to that, Val served in various positions at Visit Philadelphia over the course of more than a decade, where she oversaw special projects, acted as Board liaison, managed external affairs and worked closely with hoteliers and other industry stakeholders. She has also held several positions in hotel sales and catering.
“Having Angela in this role will allow us to build and strengthen strategic partnerships that position our organization and industry for future success,” said Nicholas DeBenedictis, PHLCVB board chairman. “The PHLCVB has had an impactful 75 year history in Philadelphia, a success that we, in part, attribute to planning with the future in mind. This new position will enhance our ability to expand our reach within the community and continue our strategic focus of always looking forward and leveraging opportunities that positively impact our city.”
Val is a graduate of Drexel University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and Business Administration. She resides in the Point Breeze section of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.discoverPHL.com , a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center.
