The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Marcia Rozell will lead the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The long-time CVB employee, who most recently worked as sports and leisure sales manager has been promoted to director of Visit Manhattan, the Chamber’s travel and tourism division. Visit Manhattan is funded through transient guest taxes through a contract with the City of Manhattan. Rozell replaces Karen Hibbard, who retired in February after leading the agency for more than two decades.
Rozell’s name emerged after a nationwide search, which launched in January.
“I felt comfortable that Marcia is the right person,” said Jason Smith, President and CEO of the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce.
Smith says her passion for the community separated her from other candidates and as a 15-year employee of the Chamber, she’s already engaged in the community.
“You can’t fake passion and that’s the one thing that Karen and Marcia have (in common), is their love for Manhattan,” he said.
Rozell is an outdoors enthusiast and in her new role will be tasked with leading day-to-day activities of Manhattan’s lead tourism organization.
“Visit Manhattan has a solid foundation on which we can build to reach even more visitors to experience our amazing community,” Rozell said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to lead our tourism team in the role of Director. I look forward to finding new and creative ways to promote our vibrant community and to connect our out-of-town guests with our local businesses.”
Rozell has a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Animal Science, and according to a release from the Chamber, uses her knowledge to educate visitors on the important of agriculture in Kansas.
