Owensboro Public Schools public information officer Dave Kirk has been hired by the Owensboro Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau to be in charge of destination management. Kirk will work in a team setting to use a digital platform to promote Owensboro.
“I’m very excited to take on this new position where I’ll be telling Owensboro’s story. There hasn’t been a more exciting time to visit Owensboro. We have a world-class convention center, a new distillery and are about to open the International Bluegrass Music Center. Add to that all of the incredible restaurants, bars, hotels, museums and boutique shopping and you’ve got a recipe for success,” Kirk said.
CVB president and CEO Mark Calitri says the decision to bring Kirk on board was an opportunity to hire a local with outside experience.
“Dave knows Owensboro and I believe he has what it takes to bring new ideas to the table that will lift Owensboro to a new level in terms of tourism. I’m excited to see all of his digital skills be put to good use,” said Mark Calitri, CVB president and CEO.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Dave Kirk to the CVB. I’ve known Dave for quite some time and have had the chance to work with him. I think he’ll do a fantastic job and it’s a win for our community,” said Al Mattingly, Daviess County Judge Executive.
Kirk will be working closely with the convention center to help promote and sell current and future events.
“We are extremely thrilled to have Dave as part of Team Owensboro and all of the excitement and energy that he will bring to the table,” said Laura Alexander, Convention Center Assistant General Manager/Director of Sales and Marketing.
Kirk believes the way to get people to check out Owensboro is by hosting unique events, promoting affordability, convenience and a custom experience.
“Through strategic digital marketing like social media, we want to give consumers a reason to come back to Owensboro while at the same time attracting new customers to this incredible city. We’ve got new hotels coming, developments all over the city including a new trampoline park/ninja warrior course, the Gateway Commons project and some of the best sports complexes in the state.
Kirk will continue to work for OPS as public information officer through the rest of the calendar year to help OPS hire a replacement and get them trained.
“Replacing someone like Dave is incredibly difficult. He has a unique skill set and has been incredibly valuable to OPS. I have no doubt that he will thrive in his new role at the CVB,” said Dr. Nick Brake, OPS Superintendent.
Kirk graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2010 with a degree in journalism and communications. He currently serves as the chair-elect for the chamber of young professionals (CYP), board member of the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, chairman of the Spectrum Cable Advisory Committee and the Kentucky School Public Relations Association state board. He was voted young professional of the year by CYP in 2016 and is a member of the 2017 40 Under 40 class.
