Carol Chaplin, a 25-year marketing, management and tourism leader at South Lake Tahoe, has been named Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

Ms. Chaplin has been director of sales and marketing at Aramark, the operators of Zephyr Cove Resort and the M.S. Dixie II and Tahoe Queen, for the past six years. Her extensive area background also includes three years with Hornblower Cruises and Events as General Manager from 2000—2003 (prior to Aramark merging the two cruise boat operations).

She served as Regional Marketing Manager at Sunterra Resorts, an interval ownership development, in 1999—2000. Two years prior, she was a Foundation Director at the Lake Tahoe Community College. From 1983—1999, Carol was Director of Operations/Marketing and Capital Projects Manager at the Tahoe Season Resort.

“With Carol’s local knowledge and consistent history of marketing accomplishments, we will definitely hit the ground running on all our plans to promote the destination,” said Pat Ronan, LTVA Board Chairman. “Her strong community relationships in both California and Nevada should also help lead efforts that will benefit the entire south shore.”

In a unanimous vote, the LTVA Board of Directors stayed close to home in selecting the organization’s Executive Director. Ms. Chaplin has served on its Board for the past two years, and as chair of the marketing committee.

“With the current economy we have immediate challenges before us but with the cooperation and teamwork of our partners, we’ll succeed,” said Ms. Chaplin. “Lake Tahoe is one of the world’s special destinations and we plan to promote its unique attributes to benefit our visitors, businesses and the environment.”

Ms. Chaplin’s past management positions have provided her experience with the area’s various agencies, including the City of South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Lahontan Water Quality Board, California State Lands, as well as the Chambers of Commerce.

Her community involvement has included positions as Forum Member of Pathway 2007; Past President of the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce; and as a former board member of the South Shore Transportation District.

Ms. Chaplin, 51, graduated San Francisco State University with a B.A., English. She has two sons, Anders, 13, and Palmer, 10.

About Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority
The Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority is the cooperative marketing organization responsible for the promotion of South Lake Tahoe, both California and Nevada. A seven-person board represents the agency’s funding sources and tourism interests including the City of South Lake Tahoe, Douglas County, South Lake Tahoe Lodging Tourist Improvement District, Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority, and Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce. A comprehensive, integrated $4.5 million annual marketing program includes advertising, promotions, public relations, sales, market research and special events.