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Annette Gavin Bates
CEO , Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
MEGAN BEVINS
Photo by T Chesley Photography .
GROWING UP , Annette Gavin Bates wanted to be many things — veterinarian , pediatrician and pilot were all on the list . She soon realized she truly belonged in her local community , working to make it a better place .
Bates experimented with different career options early in her work life . After graduating high school , Bates moved to Daytona Beach , FL , with her family and began waiting tables at a rooftop restaurant . When she moved back to the Mountain State , she married into a family business where she was introduced to the hospitality industry and fell in love with helping people .
Bates first worked as an office assistant for Cliffside , her family ’ s hotel in Harpers Ferry but was quickly promoted to hotel manager , then to general manager . Eventually , the business was sold , and she went on to work for the sales team at the Hill Top House Hotel , where she also assisted the owner in operations .
She stepped into the corporate world with a role at the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races as well as her efforts in opening The Inn at Charles Town .
102 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE