Julia Smyth-Young
Williamsburg,USA
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven senior executive with over 20 years of comprehensive experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Proven track record of driving transformative growth, leading high-performing teams, and implementing strategic initiatives that elevate organizational performance. Recognized for innovative problem-solving, exceptional stakeholder engagement, and effective change management.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Sales Officer
Visit Williamsburg
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Spearheaded strategic initiatives that increased lead production and room night contributions, establishing Williamsburg as a premier leisure and group destination
- Directed the development and execution of $2.4M sales budgets and goals, consistently achieving growth
- Hired, developed, and managed Sales and Services team
- Innovated client engagement through incentives, sponsorships, and CRM integration, enhancing loyalty
- Conducted comprehensive competitive analyses to inform strategic marketing plans, elevating market positioning
- Fostered strategic partnerships, leading to enhanced collaboration and success
- Delivered compelling destination presentations to diverse audiences, increasing brand visibility
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners
- Analyzed sales data regularly to monitor progress towards goals and make necessary adjustments to strategy as needed
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making
Interim CEO
Visit Williamsburg
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Led a $17M Destination Marketing Organization, ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory standards
- Increased staffing, training and development, and improved regional and community relations
- Oversaw external agencies, ensuring cohesive organizational operations across PR, IT, legal, marketing, and accounting
- Developed the FY2025 budget with stakeholder engagement to ensure transparency and buy-in
- Organized and executed an award-winning media event in Washington, D.C., boosting organizational profile and stakeholder engagement
- Created a positive work culture, resulting in full staff, employee satisfaction and retention
- Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities
- Collaborated with legal, accounting, and additional external professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations
Sales Director
Visit Williamsburg
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Increased group occupancy through targeted sales strategies, market analysis, and strategic partnerships
- Created job descriptions, sales action plans, budgets, and sponsorship opportunities
- Managed and developed team, presented to industry and community stakeholders
- Developed collateral, messaging, client events, destination trainings, and pith opportunities
- Managed comprehensive client communications, developed engaging newsletters, and hosted influential industry events
- Boosted sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic sales plans and initiatives tailored to the organization''s goals
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with a focus on fostering long-term relationships, consistently addressing client needs, and providing exceptional service
Sales Consultant
The First Group
12.2015 - 06.2019
- Pioneered marketing and sales deployment strategies, streamlining operations and standardizing procedures for multinational markets and teams
- Developed brand standards for collateral, communications, and presentations, enhancing consistency and market presence
- Collaborated with international clients, cultures, and regions, significantly increasing market share and ADR
Regional Director of Sales
Ice Magic
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Orchestrated strategic campaigns and specialty events, expanding market share by 9%
- Enhanced operational efficiencies through the establishment of SOPs for conversion tracking
- Collaborated with convention center, area properties, meeting and event planners to achieve company sales goals
Director of Sales
Orlando CVB
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Led sales initiatives representing over $1B in annual economic impact, demonstrating exceptional market influence
- Trained and managed a high-performing sales team, fostering strong client relationships and organizational success
- Established, trained, developed, and deployed sales teams to achieve goals for in-house and convention center business
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FLSkills
- Strategic Leadership and Vision
- Market Trend Analysis and Competitive Benchmarking
- FOIA/COIA Compliance
- Team Recruitment, Training, and Leadership
- Budget Development and Compliance
- Effective Negotiation and Profitability Assessments
- International Market Expertise
- Superior Presentations, Proposals, and Written Communication
Additional Information
- Dual Citizenship: USA and Republic of Ireland
- ASEL Certification (Inactive –2014)
Accomplishments
- 2022 N.C. Motorcoach Associate of the Year: Recognized for outstanding contributions to the travel industry
- Certified by the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA): Expertise in Travel Industry Practices
- Board Member, Society of Government Meeting Professionals
- Board Member, An Occasion for the Arts
- Member, SYTA Research Committee and ABA Education Committee
- Travel Unity Special Committee Task Force
- Award-Winning Media Event: Organized a high-impact media event in Washington, DC (June 2024)
- Smart Meetings Platinum Award Winner
- Convention South reader's choice Best CVB/DMO
Certification
- Pandemic Compliance Officer Certification
- Student and Youth Travel Industry Certification
- PCMA Certification
- Cornell University Revenue Management Certification
Timeline
Interim CEO
Visit Williamsburg
01.2024 - 06.2024
Chief Sales Officer
Visit Williamsburg
01.2023 - 12.2024
Sales Director
Visit Williamsburg
01.2020 - 01.2023
Sales Consultant
The First Group
12.2015 - 06.2019
Regional Director of Sales
Ice Magic
01.2012 - 01.2014
Director of Sales
Orlando CVB
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Pandemic Compliance Officer Certification
- Student and Youth Travel Industry Certification
- PCMA Certification
- Cornell University Revenue Management Certification
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management
University of Central Florida
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