The City of Gainesville has hired Robyn Lynch, the current Executive Director of Lake Lanier Olympic Park, as the new Director of Tourism for the city.
The position is one of two created by the departure of Nikki Perry in July. Perry, who left the city to work as an independent marketing contractor, held the job of Communications and Tourism Director.
City Manager Bryan Lackey said the job has been split into two positions - Director of Tourism and Public Relations Manager.
"With the growth in our tourism efforts, along with our need and focus to deliver more digital content in the wake of our ending TV18, I saw the need after Nikki’s resignation that this really needed to be split into two roles," Lackey said in an email statement. "Robyn will take on tourism, which will include the Gainesville CVB, Main Street, along with all the various miscellaneous tourism efforts we take on."
The role of Public Relations Manager is open, and Lackey said the city is in the process of conducting interviews for the job.
Lynch officially begins her new job with the city on August 26.
"There will be an extensive transition period as keeping the momentum going strong at Lake Lanier Olympic Park is very important to us, so it will be a lengthy transition period as we begin to search for the new executive director," Lackey said.
He said a job posting for the park job is coming soon.
Lackey said Lynch is a natural fit for the tourism post.
"After Nikki made her decision to pursue other opportunities, I looked over the organization for internal candidates and Robyn immediately stood out," Lackey said. "I approached her about her interest in this new role with City and after a couple conversations about the vision for the Gainesville CVB, it was clear that her vision and passion for the future of our organization was in sync with mine and the City Council's."
Lackey said he feels Lynch will be able to work closely with Regina Dyer and Kristen Redmon to enhance the promotion of tourism and economic development in the community.
