1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
1990 Married husband , John Gavin , and became hotel manager at Cliffside Inn
1993 Son , Andrew , was born
2003 Began working at Hill Top House Hotel
2008 Hotel Sales & PR , Inn at Charles Town , Hollywood Casino , and graduated Leadership Jefferson
2013 Became CEO of Jefferson County CVB
2015 Engaged to Karl
2017 Married husband , Karl , and named West Virginia Wonder Woman
2018 WVHTA Excellence in Tourism Advocacy
2020 WC Living Community Champion
2021 Opened renovated Jefferson County Welcome Center , won Community Tourism Development Award and WV Stars of the Industry award
2023 WV Living , Best of WV , Best CVB ( in the state )
“ How can you not love going to work every day and telling this extraordinary story of beautiful outdoor spaces , incredible artisans , restaurateurs and history that comes alive when you stroll our towns ?”
These early roles taught Bates hard work , humility and how to turn what seemed like despairing situations into successful ones . Working with the team at Hollywood Casino instilled confidence and growth in Bates that she still carries to this day .
“ Sometimes it wasn ’ t pretty , many times it was downright ugly , but many hardworking and well-intentioned people were at my side ,” she says . “ All these roles led me to a position I love — a role I was born to play and one I am eternally grateful to call my dream job .”
Bates describes her role as CEO of the Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau ( CVB ) as more of a passion than a job , where she helps promote Jefferson County as an unbeatable destination .
“ How can you not love going to work every day and telling this extraordinary story of beautiful outdoor spaces , incredible artisans , restaurateurs and history that comes alive when you stroll our towns ?” she says .
Bates ’ biggest obstacle and greatest accomplishment while working at the CVB was planning and opening the new Jefferson County Welcome Center .
Originally , all that welcomed visitors to Jefferson County was a temporary trailer , which inspired an aggressive plan to pursue federal dollars to buy and expand it into something better . In 2021 , the welcome center opened its doors and won the Community Tourism Development Award from the West Virginia Department of Tourism .
“ I feel the Jefferson County Welcome Center is truly my legacy to the community ,” Bates says .
She gives back to her community in more ways than just her job — she is involved in several volunteer organizations . She supports the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle , Court Appointed Special Advocates and Shepherd University Last Dollar Campaign . When determining which organizations to contribute to , Bates listens to their stories and tries to understand the severity of their causes .
“ I think giving back to the community comes in all forms and actions ,” she says . “ It can be by serving , volunteering or donating . It can also be as simple a gesture as buying that Girl Scout cookie or donating food or clothing to community ministries .”
Throughout her journey , many people inspired Bates to succeed , notably her family . Her mother was her biggest cheerleader with a passion for life , but she tragically passed away at 57 . Fortunately , Bates ’ father and stepmother took on a lead role in guiding the family . Today , she credits her family , particularly her husband , Karl Bates , and son , Andrew , for her strength .
“ They believe in me and make me a better person ,” she says .
Bates ’ next endeavor includes building a new welcome center in Shepherdstown , hoping to once again create a space that welcomes new visitors with open arms . This project illustrates her great love for the Mountain State , and she takes pride in telling its story
“ Whether I am walking downtown and pop in to see a friends at their shop or grabbing a drink out with friends , this is home ,” she says . •
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