Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced the appointment of Heather Pelham as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Tourism and Marketing. Pelham joins the marketing team responsible for promoting Vermont as a top tourism destination and attracting 13 million visitors each year who contribute $2.8 billion in spending to the State.
For the last four years, Pelham has served as the State’s chief marketing officer. In addition to the deputy commissioner role, Pelham will assume the title of chief marketing executive and will retain oversight of the Chief Marketing Office as part of the Scott Administration’s efforts to ensure marketing and creative services are collaborative and accessible across state agencies.
“Building awareness so people and families across the globe recognize Vermont as a great place to visit, live and work is a vital part of our work to expand Vermont’s workforce and grow our economy,” said Governor Scott. “Heather’s understanding of these issues, marketing expertise and knowledge of the Vermont brand make her uniquely qualified to support our efforts and I’m pleased to have her take on this new role.”
Pelham has two decades of experience in marketing, creative services and project management. In her role as the chief marketing officer, she was a steward of the Vermont brand for agencies across state government, ensuring consistency and collaboration in the promotion of numerous initiatives including the recruitment of foster care families, promoting Amtrak rail service, and expanding market opportunities for Vermont products. She also has a creative leadership role in ThinkVermont, the state’s economic development marketing effort.
“Heather’s creativity and collaborative leadership will be essential as the department continues to innovate its marketing efforts to get the most value out of the investments we make, and to maximize the impact of our work for Vermont,” said Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Wendy Knight.
Prior to joining state government, Pelham was the managing partner of a central Vermont advertising and design firm, developing brand strategies and integrated marketing campaigns for small business, nonprofit and higher education clients. Pelham is a graduate of Brown University and lives with her family in Randolph Center.
About the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing
The Department of Tourism and Marketing promotes Vermont’s travel, recreation, cultural and historic attractions, as well as the state’s goods and services, in coordination with public and private sector partners. The department also works to market to a global audience in a manner consistent with the values and traditions of the state for the economic benefit of all Vermonters. Vermont’s tourism sector supports 32,000 jobs and contributes $2.8 billion in economic activity each year. VermontVacation.com.
About the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s (ACCD) mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: accd.vermont.gov.
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