On the Move: Industry Career Changes Making News

March 11, 2024

We’re nearing the end of the first quarter of 2024, but the year still feels new somehow. It definitely is for the following industry execs who are moving up and moving on in their careers.

Visit Orlando has announced the appointment of Tammy McCormick as director of destination experience, providing leadership to the VO Destination Experience team to elevate engagement with clients and further enhance their experience in planning and conducting meetings and conferences in Orlando. With more than 22 years of experience in the events services industry, McCormick most recently served as the National Director of Creative for ACCESS Destination Services.

After beginning his career and catering events in the late ‘90s—with a resume that included serving as GM of Elegant Affairs— Robert Severini has accepted the newly created post of managing director at Cerbelli Creative + TwoFortyThirty, overseeing the intricacies and planning of Cerbelli Creative’s daily operations and long-term growth as well as that of TwoFortyThirty, a vintage 1894 firehouse in the heart of Chelsea/Hudson Yards that has been transformed into an upscale, turnkey, intimate event space.

Ending one journey to see what else life has in store for him, Wayne M. Robinson, CMP, CMM, recently celebrated his last day at FM Global after serving as staff vp and before that, avp of corporate programs and exhibit management. His career journey also included a position as director of field meetings for Northwestern Mutual, where he was responsible for the creation and implementation of all field meetings and events company-wide.

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced Martha Donato‘s appointment as regional director of UFI’s newly established North America Chapter. Her extensive experience of over 25 years in the tradeshows, exhibitions, and conferences sector in North America positions her well to lead UFI’s initiatives in the region. Focusing on driving membership efforts, engaging with allied organizations, and leading industry-wide initiatives are part of the strategic vision she brings to the role.

See also MPI’s Meetings Outlook for Q3

Professional services company Maritz has made some recent executive leadership changes. Following nearly 25 years of leading the company as CEO and chairman, Steve Maritz is transitioning into an executive chairman role, responsible for overseeing high-level functions, including finance, legal and board-related issues.

ConferenceDirect has announced Cara Banash as their new senior vp of Enterprise Solutions. In her role Cara will spearhead the focus and development for Strategic Meetings Business, SMMP. Bringing over two decades of leadership experience in hotels and DMOs, the company says Cara is well-equipped to drive their initiatives to new heights.