Kerri Post Email & Phone Number

Tallahassee, Fl

Oversee four divisions: Cultural Affairs, Historical Resources, Library and Information Services, and Marketing: comprised of more than 170 FTE/OPS positions with a combined total budget over $100 million (FY 2014-15); Set policy and direction; Responsible for the management of the State Arts Agency, five museums/galleries, 15 historic sites, archaeology (terrestrial and underwater), historic preservation, Florida Main Street program, State Library and development, archives and records, Viva Florida program, agency marketing programs, 15 grant programs, five citizen support organizations, and five Commissions/Councils. Key Achievements: (1) Successful implementation of Viva Florida 500 in 2013, resulting in engagement of more than 2000 partners statewide, 900+ events, all 67 counties, garnering more than 3.5 million media impressions with no dedicated marketing budget; (2) Secured two Deepwater Horizon (BP) Tourism Marketing Grants totaling $500,000; (3) Received more than $85 million in funding for cultural, historical and library grant programs, the highest allocation in the history of the agency; (4) Implemented a Leadership Program as a pilot program for the agency, resulting in 20 graduates in the 2014 inaugural class; (5) Launched Florida Historic Golf Trail program; (6) Established social media policy for agency.

Tallahassee, Fl

Responsible for leading the Viva Florida 500 program and coordinating statewide partnership efforts to position Florida as a premiere cultural heritage destination through a series of important anniversaries; Integrate and collaborate with internal divisions; Direct promotional efforts to increase the visibility, viability and visitation of state owned and managed historical and cultural sites, and informational programs. Key Achievements: (1) Developed strategic plan for Viva Florida 500; (2) Grew social media to 1000+ followers.

Tallahassee, Fl

Started-up new Destination Marketing Organization/Division within Leon County Government. Directed $1.75 million marketing budget and managed Advertising/PR agency of record, created seasonal integrated marketing campaigns, and supervised staff of four department directors managing Communications (public/media relations, digital, social), Meetings & Convention Sales, Leisure Sales and Visitor Services. Key Achievements: (1) Grew direct visitor spending to $553 million (5.5% increase) and expanded tourism employment in Leon County to 11,569 (6.8% increase) in FY10-11 (2) Developed two new websites (main and mobile) and enhanced promotional materials through strategic partnerships with industry; (3) Awarded First-Place “Flager Award” at 2011 Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism for new Tourism Advocacy program - T.O.U.R Guide.

Tallahassee, Fl

Charged with revising new membership department with emphasis on increasing industry membership, engagement and participation in VISIT FLORIDA programs. Managed $2.2 million department budget, a staff of ten and administered the Industry Relations Committee of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. Key Achievements: (1) Identified unmet needs in the tourism industry statewide and developed new communication programs to inform and activate; (2) Developed and trained staff to be program responsive in new platform and structure.

Tallahassee, Fl

Expanded product development and marketing programs of historical and cultural and nature-based tourism. Managed $1.3 million department budget, a staff of five and administered the function of the New Product Development Council of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors comprised of more than 50 industry leaders and four committees; Steering, Cultural Heritage, Nature-based and Rural Tourism. Key Achievements: (1) Spearheaded efforts to recognize Florida’s Quincentennial (Viva Florida 500) highlighting the Spanish arrival, exploration and settlement in Florida, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and VISIT FLORIDA’s Spain-Florida Heritage Committee, by producing a Florida Spanish Colonial Heritage Trail Guide and www.VivaFlorida.org website; (2) Created and directed VISIT FLORIDA’s Downtowns & Small Towns Program 2004-07 focusing on Florida’s revitalized downtowns and small towns in a national marketing campaign with a proven total economic impact to Florida of more than $90 million in consumer spending; (3) Developed and produced a “Florida Trails” series, partnering with FDEP Florida State Parks and Greenways & Trails, featuring top Hiking, Biking, Paddling trails statewide, in print and online, resulting in more than 60,000 downloads per month; (4) Served on the President’s Committee for the Arts & Humanities and the U.S. Department of Commerce working group to develop the 2005 Position Paper - Cultural & Heritage Tourism in the United States. (5) Directed Cultural Heritage Tourism Grant Program.

Tallahassee, Fl

Charged with directing a new department within VISIT FLORIDA to implement a strategic plan to develop new products and marketing programs focused on history and heritage, arts and culture, nature and outdoors, designed to expand the visitor’s perception of Florida. Administered two Committees – one appointed by Governor Bush and one appointed by the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors. Key Achievements: (1) Developed “Worth the Drive” program of more than 20 detailed driving tours highlighting Florida’s historic, cultural, nature-based and the road-less-traveled experiences; (2) Coordinated and conducted 15 regional marketing workshops with more than 550 total attendees. (3) Created and implemented new grant program.