FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. — The new executive director of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau knows well the area she will now sell to the world.
“The state and this area is just super easy to promote and love, so the transition will be pretty easy for me,” predicted Becky Sullivan, a Fayette County native.
“It’s nature’s playground right here in our back yard.”
Sullivan officially took over on Aug. 1 as the replacement for Sharon Cruikshank who is retiring after more than 20 years.
Cruikshank had served as CVB director since 1997 and added responsibilities with the Fayette County Chamber in 2003.
Now the new mayor of Fayetteville, she will be staying on through Dec. 31, 2019 to allow for a transition period and to serve as chair of the Bridge Day Commission.
“They are huge shoes to fill,” Sullivan said Cruikshank’s legacy. “I feel lucky that I have five months with her.”
Bridge Day 2019, the event’s 40th anniversary, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19.
Another big event for Fayette County, the World Scout Jamboree, wrapped up last week at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve.
Sullivan has more than 20 years of tourism experience.
Up until last week, she had worked as marketing director for Visit Southern West Virginia which is based in Beckley.
Previously, she was employed with Winterplace Resort, ACE Adventure Resort and Yellowstone National Park.
Sullivan graduated from Fayetteville High School and Concord University and lives with her husband and son in Oak Hill.