The Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (FLTA) is pleased to announce that they have selected Meghan Lawton as the new President & CEO. She will begin her new role in mid-March 2023.
Meghan has strong ties to the Finger Lakes region both as a resident and as a part of the tourism industry in both Wyoming and Cortland counties, as well as a strong affiliation within the industry statewide as a part of the New York State Tourism Industry Association. Meghan shared, “I am thrilled to be selected as the next President and CEO of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. The Finger Lakes region is the hallmark of New York State tourism.
I look forward to continuing the great work that FLTA has done thus far in promoting and supporting this beautiful area and the partner businesses. I will work hard as a steward for FLTA, directing my full efforts to the growth, promotion, and prosperity of the entire Finger Lakes region.”
The search for a new President & CEO began in early 2022 in preparation for the planned retirement at the end of March 2023 of the current FLTA leader, Cindy Kimble. Kimble has served as the President since November of 2007 and has become known as a passionate ambassador for the Finger Lakes region and the spark that ignited the quest for the Finger Lakes Region to be named a National Heritage Area. She has been asked by the Board of Directors to continue on the National Heritage Area Committee and is excited to do so. Cindy’s tireless work to secure FLTA’s legacy as the premiere destination marketing organization for the Finger Lakes region and the oldest regional DMO in the nation has been extraordinary. When asked about Lawton taking the reins, Kimble said, "Having worked with Meghan while she was at the Cortland CVB, I know Meghan will lead FLTA to continued success!!".
On behalf of the FLTA Board of Directors, Board Chairperson Sue Poelvoorde (Executive Director, Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway, Inc.) shared, “We are so excited to have Meghan Lawton join the FLTA team as our next President & CEO. Her experience in the Tourism Industry and passion for everything Finger Lakes will continue FLTA’s legacy as the premier source for visitors to plan their Finger Lakes adventures. We look forward to working with Meghan and the FLTA staff to serve our partners and grow our marketing outreach to keep building upon the strength of the 100+-year-old organization. Welcome, Meghan!”
For more information, please contact the FLTA Board of Directors, Leadership Transition Committee Chairperson, Coleen Fabrizi, Coleen@gafferdistrict.com.
Founded in 1919, Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance is recognized as one of the longest-standing regional destination marketing organizations in the United States. FLTA is an association of private-sector attractions, tourism-related businesses and county tourism offices working together to enhance and promote visitor businesses for the 9,000 square-mile Finger Lakes region of New York State.
