The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau has announced that Jeff Schwartzenberg is joining the organization in the newly created Community Engagement Manager role.
With more than two decades of marketing, communications and strategic partnership experience, Schwartzenberg has been charged with helping put the strategies of the Long-Range Tourism Management Plan (LRTMP) into practice within the Outer Banks community.
“This is an exciting journey that we are embarking on with residents and visitors,” said Lee Nettles, OBVB Executive Director. “The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau has taken the next big step with the creation of this new staff position. It’s a big job and we think Jeff has the perfect spirit and experience to make things happen.”
The Dare County Tourism Board spearheaded the 18-month LRTMP process, creating a special task force and curating the input of hundreds of tourism community stakeholders and thousands of residents. The plan serves as a roadmap for responsible and sustainable tourism on the Outer Banks.
Schwartzenberg will be responsible for developing and coordinating partner engagement programs, collaborating with local non-profit organizations, enhancing partnerships within the community and implementing the initiatives of the LRTMP with a focus on strengthening relations between visitors, the tourism industry and residents.
“I am excited and extremely grateful to be joining the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau team in this new role,” said Schwartzenberg. “As a past visitor, previous local business owner, and resident for the past nine years, my diverse perspective helps me to understand the dynamic opportunities and unique challenges facing the Outer Banks tourism landscape.”
“I look forward to engaging with our community stakeholders as we seek to balance quality of life with quality of place and experiences,” Schwartzenberg said.
Schwartzenberg previously served as Marketing Director for Currituck County Department of Travel and Tourism, led marketing and communications efforts for Kitty Hawk Kites and owned and operated OBX Frozen Yogurt for five years.
Prior to his relocation to Kitty Hawk in 2014, he served in senior marketing capacities for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville Predators Hockey Club (NHL), Vanderbilt University, and Travelocity, after beginning his career with the New York Rangers Hockey Club (NHL).
Schwartzenberg has a bachelor’s degree in management, with a concentration in marketing, from Binghamton University in New York. He has served on several local nonprofit boards, including the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce, Outer Banks Relief Foundation and Outer Banks Sporting Events.
