FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STEVENS POINT, Wis. (August 12, 2024) -- The Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPACVB) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Megan Vruwink as the new Executive Director, effective August 12, 2024. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing for SPACVB, Vruwink will succeed Sara Brish, who recently transitioned to Travel Wisconsin/Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Following the announcement of former Executive Director Sara Brish’s departure, the SPACVB executive search committee launched a comprehensive search for her successor. Vruwink emerged as a strong candidate, bringing experience in tourism promotion and tourism development, as well as an innovative perspective and professional demeanor to the role.
“Leading the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau requires a unique blend of skills, experience, and characteristics,” says Chris Klesmith, president of the SPACVB Board of Directors. “Our executive search committee was determined to select someone who possessed those ingredients.”
Vruwink will work closely with Brish during the leadership transition. Vruwink is grateful for the support of the SPACVB staff, board of directors, partners, and stakeholders as she steps into her new role.
“Working with our talented, knowledgeable team during my time as Director of Marketing has been a privilege. I'm eager to continue advancing the Stevens Point Area CVB’s mission in an expanded capacity as Executive Director. I look forward to fostering collaboration with community partners, leveraging our collective strengths, and embracing new challenges to drive positive economic impact in Portage County. Here's to the next chapter for the Stevens Point Area CVB and the exciting opportunities ahead!” said Vruwink.
Klesmith and the executive search committee expressed utmost confidence in the strength of the organization under Vruwink’s leadership.
“The Stevens Point Area is full of incredible assets, many of which have been built through partnerships and diligence, that uplift the region overall,” said Klesmith. “The executive search committee is confident that Megan will do well to lead a talented team and continue uplifting our region for both residents and visitors. We look forward to her leadership at the Bureau.”
The SPACVB extends a warm welcome to Megan Vruwink and heartfelt thanks to Sara Brish for ensuring a smooth leadership transition. The organization looks forward to the continued success of tourism promotion and tourism development in the Stevens Point Area—driving economic growth and enhancing the appeal of Portage County as a premier travel destination.
About Megan
Megan Vruwink began her professional journey with SPACVB as a student marketing intern in 2014 and transitioned to a full-time visitor experience role after graduating from UW-Stevens Point in 2015. In 2016, she relocated to the Chippewa Valley, where she served in marketing and business development-centric roles. It was during this time that Megan led comprehensive, integrated marketing campaigns, fostered business relationships, led teams of seasonal/part-time/full-time staff, engaged in state and national advocacy efforts, and gained extensive hands-on experience in the tourism and live event industries.
As a central Wisconsin native, Megan and her husband decided to move back to the region in 2021 to be closer to family. Upon settling in the Stevens Point Area, Megan worked at UW-Stevens Point in the University Centers department before returning to her tourism promotion roots with SPACVB as the Director of Marketing in January 2024. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to her new role as Executive Director, and is excited to drive the organization forward alongside a stellar team.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys visiting the farmers market, and exploring along the Green Circle Trail!
About the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic and community development organization whose purpose is to expand Portage County’s economy by attracting conventions, sporting events and leisure tourists to Portage County. Millions of dollars from visitor spending and increased tax revenues are generated to increase commerce, sustain jobs and to create a desirable destination.
For more information about the Stevens Point Area, visit StevensPointArea.com. The SPACVB can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/StevensPointArea), Instagram (instagram.com/stevenspointarea), Pinterest (pinterest.com/StevensPtArea), and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/StevensPointArea).
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