New senior national account directors join Philadelphia CVB

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has filled two important sales roles. Kelly Blecke will be joining the PHLCVB as the senior national account director focused on the Washington, D.C. area, and Rosa Luke has been appointed senior national account director with a focus on the Chicago market. In 2019, the PHLCVB drove US$600m in economic impact from group sales and both the Chicago and D.C. markets were critically important. Blecke and Luke bring a combined 45 years of sales experience to an already talented sales operation at the PHLCVB. The organisation maintains sales staff in Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. “Over one third of all hotel room nights consumed in Philadelphia in 2019 were from the group market, underscoring the importance of this tourism and hospitality segment,” said Kavin Schieferdecker, senior vice-president of sales for the PHLCVB. “Both the Washington, D.C. and Chicago markets are critical to our success so it was important we filled these roles with superstars who have a proven record of established relationships and the ability to secure business for their destinations.” Kelly Blecke has 20 years of hotel sales experience, most recently as the market senior account executive at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. “As our industry navigates the new standard in meetings and events, I am excited to join a team and city that is a demonstrated leader during this challenging time,” said Blecke. “Having lived in Maryland much of my life, I have a deep appreciation for Philadelphia, have seen the amazing transformation for meetings and conventions over the years and can’t wait to begin making an impact.” Rosa Luke has worked for multiple destinations, hotels and tradeshow organisers. Most recently she worked as senior sales manager for Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort, where she focused her sales efforts on the Midwest and West Coast markets. “I look forward to starting my next chapter with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Luke. “I am excited to embrace the city’s passion for art, history and culture, and to share these defining characteristics with clients — past, present and future.” Prior to her role with Wyndham Hotels, Luke spent nearly 14 years with Discover Puerto Rico as a senior director of sales for their Convention Center. Before that, she served as a national sales manager with tradeshow organiser, GES Exposition Services.