Kerri Stewart took over day-to-day operations of Visit Jacksonville last week after Daniel O’Byrne left the position. Stewart, senior vice president at Infinity Global Solutions and chief administrative officer for former Mayor John Peyton, took the job on an interim basis. Visit Jacksonville is the brand identity for the Jacksonville and the Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau. Stewart has also worked with Fidelity Information Services Inc. and Alltel Corp.
What is your immediate priority at Visit Jacksonville?
To meet with the Visit Jacksonville board and staff, the Tourist Development Council board and staff and Visit Jacksonville partners to find out what areas they would like to focus on and to reassure all stakeholder groups that nothing is going to fall through the cracks.
Why were you chosen for the interim position?
The company that I am with, Infinity Global Solutions, and I specialize in strategic planning and operations consultation, which is what the executive committee of Visit Jacksonville has asked me to focus on. I am sure that my background in running large organizations and helping groups identify opportunities to improve efficiency was key.
Any interest in the permanent position?
No. I am really enjoying my role at IGS as it allows me the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in various industries and provide strategic planning and operations consultation. I want to assist the board and the staff of Visit Jacksonville as they transition to a new CEO/president who will be singularly focused on bringing more visitors to the Jacksonville area.
What are the major events heading to Jacksonville assisted by Visit Jacksonville?
• NCAA Track & Field East Division Men’s and Women’s Preliminaries – May.
• Jehovah’s Witness Convention – May.
• Air Force Sergeants Association Annual Convention – August.
Each brings thousands of room nights to Jacksonville.
What is your first week assessment of the status of staff and operations?
The staff is incredibly talented and professional and the board is engaged and supportive of the mission. I look forward to working with the board and the staff to gain a better understanding of the operations and determine how I can help improve efficiencies and processes.