Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Marie Casey.
Ann Marie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been working in the Massachusetts tourism industry since 2000. After graduating from Emerson College in 1995, I started working as a legislative aide at the State House. I worked for Representative Miceli from my hometown of Wilmington for 3 years and then went on the become a Senate aide for Senator Bernstein in Worcester for 4 years.
From the Senate, I was fortunate enough to be hired at the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, and this is where my passion for the tourism industry began. I was able to learn about and often visit amazing lodging properties, museums, attractions, meeting venues and more located all over our state.
Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, I have always loved the North of Boston region- the coast, farms, historic homes, etc. The experience I gained at MOTT positioned me to pursue my career in the North of Boston region, and I became the Membership Manager at the North of Boston CVB in 2004. This was a short stint for me because I was quickly hired as the Executive Director of Beverly Main Streets and less than 2 years later, I was hired as the Executive Director of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce.
In 2013, I once again had the good fortune to be in the right place at the right time, and I came back to work at the North of Boston CVB, and this time, as the Executive Director.
I’ve been in this role for 5 years now, and every day is a new and exciting challenge. The Board, my staff and I work diligently every day to promote Essex County as a travel destination for leisure, group tour, meetings, and special events both domestically and internationally.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know of anyone having a smooth road. I think the challenges and bumps in the road along the way are what makes the difference in a person’s life. When you’re given things easily, appreciation may be lacking.
Please tell us about North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc. (NBCVB) is a private, nonprofit, membership-based organization responsible for the promotion of Essex County as a travel destination. Established by legislation as one of the state’s 16 regional tourism councils, NBCVB is the official liaison between the North of Boston region and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.
The NBCVB has been in existence since 1955 and is located in Salisbury at the Maria Miles Visitor Center on I-95 South. The NBCVB is managed by a professional staff with the Executive Director responsible for the day-to-day operations of the agency. The overall mission of the NBCVB is to develop and implement effective marketing strategies to increase the number of overnight visitors to Massachusetts.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Vacationing in Old Orchard Beach, Maine with my family.
Contact Info:
- Address: Maria Miles Visitor Center, I-95 Southbound, Exit 60, Salisbury, MA 01952
- Website: https://northofboston.org/
- Phone: 978-465-6555
- Email: acasey@northofboston.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northofbostoncvb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NBCVB/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NBCVB
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/NorthofBostonCVB
Image Credit:
Marblehead Museum, Gary Miles, Salem Witch Museum, Alison Colby-Campbell, 7 Seas Whale Watch, North of Boston CVB
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
