Ringling's Museum's Chip Willis Elected to Board of Florida Attractions Association
Sarasota, FL — June 14, 2010 — Chip Willis, Chief Operating Officer for The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, has been elected to the board of the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) – a tourism industry trade association based in Tallahassee, Fla. President and CEO Bill Lupfer made the announcement during the FAA’s 2010 Annual Conference held in St. Augustine, Florida.
“The Florida Attractions Association is a leading voice and promotional force for the Florida tourism industry,” said Willis. “I am honored to be on the board and help carry out the Association’s mission to support our members with achieving our shared goal of showcasing Florida as one of the world’s top destinations and the wide variety of attractions that U.S. and international travelers can enjoy.”
Established in 1949, membership to the Florida Attractions Association continues to grow. The Association now represents 90 attractions, 38 Florida state parks, and 79 Associate members. It works closely with other tourism-related groups in the state, including convention visitors’ bureaus, as well as lodging, restaurants, RV parks and campgrounds.
The organization also participates in the Florida Commission on Tourism/Visit Florida, Inc.; Tourism Industry Association of America and its National Council of Attractions and the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Joining Willis as new Florida Attractions Association directors are Kurt Allen, General Manager of Marineland; Brian Britton, Vice President, Global Park Operations and Initiatives at Walt Disney World; Tim Carrier, Director of Operations, SeaWorld Orlando; and Carol Kruse, Assistant Director of Miami MetroZoo.
In a statement issued by the Florida Attractions Association, Chairman Andrew Hertz, General Manager said, “Each bring a fresh new perspective and as the tourism industry in Florida continues to evolve, this new diverse group of directors will help us to ensure we are meeting the needs of all of our members.”
Willis is part of the leadership team at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. He is also a veteran of the hospitality industry with 26 years of management experience. Prior to joining The Ringling Museum, Chip worked at ClubCorp, Inc., a $1.5 billion company known as the leader in the private club and resort business. While working with Club Corp, Inc., he served as general manager and a regional manager with responsibilities for clubs in eight states. Chip also served as General Manager of the University Center Club at The Florida State University. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from University of Tennessee. He is also active in the community serving on civic and arts organizations, as well as charitable boards.
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About The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Florida State University, is one of the largest museum/university complexes in the nation. It preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, educating and enabling a large and diverse audience to experience and take delight in a world-renowned collection of fine art; Cà d’Zan, the Ringling’s historic mansion; the Circus Museum; the Tibbals Learning Center, the Original Asolo Theater; and historic architecture, courtyard, gardens and grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay.