OFFICE CULTURE UPDATES
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT
This year saw the start of an optional quarterly “ Lunch & Learn ” program , where staff come together for lunch and conversation and enjoy educational presentations led by other members of VB ’ s team . In FY23 , members of the marketing , business operations and IT departments led lessons on mindfulness , workplace productivity , artificial intelligence and public speaking .
UNCONVENTIONAL WORK BREAKS
The Visit Baltimore Engagement Team , a group of staff volunteers who meet to discuss company culture and organize social events , launched several programs to increase morale and prioritize mental and physical wellness .
The Visit Baltimore Book Club , led by marketing team member Kathryn Baker , meets every other month to discuss books about or set in Baltimore , or those written by Baltimore authors . This year ’ s picks included “ Black Boy Smile ” by D . Watkins , “ Kings of B ’ more ” by R . Eric Thomas , “ Hummingbirds in the Trenches ” by Kondwani Fidel and “ The Accidental Tourist ” by Anne Tyler .
Sales Coordinator Eboni Kirkland ran a lunchtime Wellness Wednesday series , which invited VB staff to step away from their computers to learn mindfulness techniques , participate in short workout classes and try some healthy recipes .
Staff Spotlight
Visit Baltimore is proud to recognize the following staff members for their achievements in FY23 :
• Brian Chung achieved his Certified Meeting Professional certification and was promoted to Regional Director of Sales – Mid-Atlantic & Southeast .
• Jessica Lehrer was promoted to Manager of Business Intelligence .
• Tracey Johnson was promoted to PR & Communications Manager .
• Laurie Nelson-Choice , Director of Diversity & National Sales , received her Certified Government Meeting Professional ( CGMP ) certification .
• Corporate Communications Manager Ari Hamilton-Gery was named to Destinations International ’ s 2023 30 Under 30 class .
• Chief Marketing Officer Trish McClean was selected as an Industry Leader for the Smart Women in Meetings Awards .
• Mia Blom , Senior Director of Government & Community Affairs / Executive Director Visit Baltimore Education & Training Foundation , completed the Maryland Equity & Inclusion Leadership Program .
• Christina Ghani Smith , Director of Sports Sales , was added to Towson University ’ s Athletics Hall of Fame .
Visit Baltimore also reinstated the Employee of the Quarter award in FY23 to highlight exceptional staff performance . An office holiday party held at the Visitor Center and a staff outing to Opening Day at Camden Yards were additional opportunities to express gratitude to employees and bring different teams together to build relationships .
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