Caldwell Named Executive Director Of WHMA

By Amber Lester Kennedy Saturday, January 08, 2011

Starting this month, Priscilla Caldwell will serve as Executive Director of the Williamsburg Hotel & Motel Association.

Caldwell, who has served as director of operations since May, was named executive director by the board of directors in December. She replaced Alvin Garrison, who has served as executive director for the past two years.

Garrison, a certified public accountant, will serve as chief financial officer for WHMA. Under his leadership, the WHMA has partnered with Vista Graphics and created The Greater Williamsburg Tourist Information Center.

Caldwell has 20 years of experience in communications, hospitality and travel. She is the founder and past president of the Public Relations Society of America, Virginia Peninsula Chapter, and is Accredited in Public Relations (APR). She attended the College of William and Mary and earned a degree in English from the University of Maryland. She has lived and worked in Hampton Roads since 1985. “Priscilla has an effervescent personality and tireless drive that charges everything she addresses,” said Chris Canavos, president of WHMA, in a press release. “The Association Board of Directors welcomes her input and innovative approach.”

Caldwell also serves as executive director of the Greater Williamsburg Tourist Information Center, which opened in 2010. The center will be undergoing enhancements and having earned state certification, will be installing highway signs directing visitors from I-64 to the center, located at 1915 Pocahontas Trail in the Village Shops at Kingsmill.