The Richmond Hill Convention and Visitors Bureau announced Monday that Chris Sheppard has been promoted from administrator to Executive Director.

Sheppard has been a resident of Richmond Hill for over five years. Prior to this, she and her family spent two years living abroad in Australia. She has a masters degree in organizational nanagement and a bachelor of science in leadership and human Development.

Her prior business experiences include positions as training manager and sales/project manager for a transportation company.

"I’m very excited to take on this role," Sheppard said. "I’m looking forward to all the changes that are ahead. We’ve got a really good Board right now, all of whom work or live in Richmond Hill, and we all have a vested interest in succeeding."

As executive director, Sheppard is responsible for promoting Richmond Hill as a destination of choice to visitors. In addition to the day to day operations of the CVB, She will work with community leaders to enhance the marketing presence of Richmond Hill and its tourism related businesses.

With the economy and tourism at a low right now, Sheppard recognizes the challenges ahead. But she also sees this slow time as an opportunity.

"We’re working on a more long term strategy," Sheppard said. "We’re using this time to review and reorganize. It’s given me a chance to learn more about the business … I can’t wait to see what things look like 10 years from now. There’s a lot of growth on the way."

Sheppard said her job since coming aboard has been focused on organizing the CVB and getting the finances in line, but it now will focus more on marketing Richmond Hill.

Read more in Wednesday's Bryan County News.