Visit Owensboro Adds New Board Member

The Owensboro Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Owensboro) welcomes Curt Baker to its seven-seat board.  Baker is the general manager of Owensboro’s newest hotel, TownPlace Suites by Marriott.  He brings years of experience in the hotel industry working in hotels across the United States.  Baker will replace Darshana Patel when her term expires in July.

As the incoming board chair, I would like to thank Darshana Patel for her service and I look forward to Curt Baker joining our team. This next year presents a unique opportunity to recover from a steep financial downturn and at the same time we look ahead to a bright future in tourism for Daviess County,” Brian Smith, Owner Diamond Lake Resort and Campground

“The CVB has made great strides in increasing brand awareness the last few years and our board members have played a significant role in this endeavor.  Darshana Patel, owner of the Comfort Suites, was a great contributor these past six years while on our board and we appreciate her service,” said Kyle Aud, Outgoing Visit Owensboro Board Chair.

“Curt brings a wealth of hospitality leadership experience to the table and will help guide the CVB’s mission of increasing hotel occupancy and creating a positive economic impact to Owensboro and Daviess County,” said Mark Calitri, President & CEO Visit Owensboro.

“Mr. Baker has over 30 years’ experience in hotels and hospitality.  He has served on a previous CVB board as the board chair and is involved with the tourism program at the University of Kentucky.  We felt that with this long history of experience, he could be an asset to Daviess County and the CVB,” said George Wathen, County Commissioner, Daviess County Fiscal Court.

  “For several years I have observed the special venue that is Owensboro. Owensboro is a unique forward-thinking market that has the ability to continually show its best face forward.  I am excited to be joining this team and hope that I can contribute to the ongoing teamwork and vision that has made this community stand out from the rest,” said Curt Baker, Incoming Visit Owensboro Board Member.

In addition to Baker, Taylor Deveaux has been reappointed to the CVB board and will continue to serve as treasurer which has been invaluable to the CVB with her experience as a certified public accountant during the pandemic.