John Marks Joins SearchWide as Executive Consultant
Former CEO of the San Francisco CVB
STILLWATER, MN, August 29, 2006. SearchWide, a national executive recruiting firm specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry as well as association and non-profit segments, has recruited a major industry leader. John Marks, who previously served as president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, has joined SearchWide as an executive consultant and coach. He will be responsible for new business acquisition and sourcing. In addition, Marks will lead SearchWide's new venture into on-boarding, helping clients make a smooth executive transition and assisting with the initial orientation process.
"John brings more than 30 years of hospitality industry leadership to SearchWide," said Mike Gamble, president and CEO of SearchWide. "We're thrilled to offer his expertise to SearchWide clients."
"I have watched the growth and development of SearchWide over the past seven years, and have been greatly impressed with the commitment and positive results they bring to the marketplace," said Marks. "I am excited to join Mike Gamble and the SearchWide team, and hope to add significant value to the search process."
Marks served as president and CEO of the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) from 1987-2006. At the same time he headed many of the travel industries most important organizations. He was national chairman of the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) in 2003, and continues to serve as an active past chairman and a member of its Foundation Board. He was president of the California Travel Industry Association (CALTIA) in 1999-2000. He was a founding member of the California Travel and Tourism Commission serving from 1998-2003, and served as co-chair of the U.S./Japan Tourism Export Expansion Initiative from 2002-2005. He served as chairman of the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (IACVB) in 1988-1989 and as vice chairman of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) in 1996-1997. He also served on the boards of the San Francisco Zoological Society from 1992-2002 and Golden Gate University from 1995-2002.
He currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism, as well as Chairman of the San Francisco Bowl Game Association (Emerald Bowl) and is a life director of the annual Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.
Prior to joining the San Francisco CVB, Marks was President and CEO of the Phoenix & Valley of the Sun Convention & Visitors Bureau. Before that, Marks was chief executive of the Arizona Office of Tourism, the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and on the staff of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
A native of San Francisco, Marks graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He is based in the Tucson, Arizona office and can be reached at (502) 664-4281 or [email protected].
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