The Greene County Tourism Committee recently held elections for chair and vice-chair.  Tamie Moran was appointed chair, and Gino Marasco was appointed vice-chair.  The positions became available as Bill Houghton resigned from his position as chairperson due to his acceptance of president at The Landings Company.  Houghton has served on the Greene County Tourism Committee since 2003, and he has held the title of chair since 2008. 

“Bill did an excellent job of leading the Tourism Committee. His skills in both marketing and budgeting helped maximize our efforts. Under his leadership, the tourism committee expanded its support of local events in drawing tourism to the area and added a full time position to coordinate tourism efforts,” says Tamie Moran, newly appointed chairperson of Greene County Tourism, “He will be missed, but we wish him well in his new pursuits.”

Moran, one of the authors of a recently released book about Greene County history, “Do Tell: Tales Told On Southern Porches,” has served on the Greene County Tourism Committee since 2008.  Moran currently serves on the Greene County Tourism’s Internet Subcommittee as chairperson.  Moran also is a partner in Georgia StreetStrategy, LLC, and regularly volunteers with the Oconee Regional Humane Society.   

Moran states, “Promoting tourism to Greene County is a passion for me. Our county offers such a wide range of features to draw tourism, fascinating history, the beauty and peacefulness of the farmlands, the recreational activities of Lake Oconee and surrounding forests, and unique shopping, dining and lodging. Our tourism committee is comprised of people who share the same passion and willingly give of their time and talents. I am very excited about working with the committee to increase awareness of all we offer to tourists.”

Appointed to Greene County Tourism in the fall of 2009, Gino Marasco brings an impressive marketing background.  He is employed by The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation as Director of Sales and Marketing.  Marasco previously was with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island as Director of Sales.  Marasco currently resides in Greene County with wife Amy and children Madeline and Carli.

For information regarding Greene County Tourism, call (706) 453-0380 or visit the website at www.visitlakeoconee.com.