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Regional Tourism Visionary Michele Vennard Retires from Albany Convention Center Authority Board, Paving Way for Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney to Undertake ACCA Leadership Role

Michele Vennard, an esteemed New York State and Northeast tourism leader, is retiring from the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA) Board after serving more than two decades. Since being appointed to the board in 2005, Vennard has played an integral role in the ACCA’s history, including during the construction and operation of the Albany Capital Center, and has provided strategic guidance on the facility’s ongoing $54.9 million expansion project.

Following Vennard’s retirement, Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney joins the ACCA Board. Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs appointed Delaney to the nine-member board. “The Albany Convention Center Authority’s operation of the Albany Capital Center has proven to be a catalyst for economic activity in our downtown. With Jill’s knowledge of the tourism industry, her insight will be valuable in the ACCA’s key role in growing Albany’s status as a travel destination,” stated Mayor Applyrs. “I’d also like to send my appreciation to Michele for strengthening our city’s tourism through her longstanding work as an ACCA board member and Chair.”

“We are thankful for the unparalleled leadership and vision Michele has provided to the ACCA for over 20 years and wish her all the best in retirement,” said Sarah Reginelli, Albany Convention Center Authority Board Chair. “Jill’s strong local, regional and national travel and tourism expertise will be a great addition to the board, providing a continuation of this critical perspective as the Authority seeks to expand its reach and impact.”

As President and CEO of Discover Albany — the Destination Management Organization of Albany County — Delaney oversees the promotion of Albany County as a convention and visitor destination that drives economic development in the local community. Delaney currently serves in leadership positions with a variety of other organizations, including on the Board of Directors of Destinations International, the Legislative Chair of the NYS Destination Marketing Organization, President of the Capital-Saratoga Tourism Region and a member of the NYS Museum Visioning Task Force.

“I am excited to join the Albany Convention Center Authority Board and look forward to working closely with fellow local leaders on the board in continuing to advance the Authority’s mission of providing economic and social gains to the city and county of Albany,” said Jill Delaney, Discover Albany President and CEO.

The ACCA’s nine-member board is comprised of the following appointments: three by the Governor of New York State, two by the Mayor of the City of Albany, two by the Albany County Executive, one by the President Pro Tempore of the New York State Senate and one by the Speaker of the New York State Assembly.