Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to Appoint New President & CEO

Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to Appoint New President & CEO

GATLINBURG, Tenn (July 28, 2022) - The Board of Directors of the Gatlinburg Convention Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce the promotion of Chad Netherland to President and CEO effective August 1, 2022. For the past ten years, Netherland has served as the Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. Netherland was chosen among 70 applicants provided by a collaborative partnership between the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau and SearchWide Global.

“We are excited about the energy and enthusiasm that Chad brings to his new role, his passion and knowledge for the destination and the Gatlinburg community will drive his success.” - Jackelyn Schafer, GCVB Board Chair

Prior to joining the CVB, Netherland worked for Ripley Entertainment, the fifth largest attraction company in the world. Netherland served as Executive Director of The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth Minnesota, Marketing Director and General Manager of four Ripley’s attractions in Myrtle Beach as well as Regional Director of Marketing that additionally included seven Gatlinburg attractions. He also promoted Ripley’s Believe It or Not! through national PR campaigns and national television appearances. 

“I am honored and excited to continue my journey with such an amazing organization,” said Netherland. “I am looking forward to the future with one of America’s premiere travel destinations.”

In his new role, Netherland will oversee the day-to-day operations of marketing, sales, finance, the convention center, visitor services and The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce.