Burgaw Mayor Olivia Dawson named Pender County Tourism Director
PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – Pender County has hired Burgaw Mayor Olivia Dawson as their new Tourism Director.
Dawson made history a few years ago when she was elected Burgaw’s first female mayor and one of the youngest to hold the office.
Dawson has also been a Tourism Assistant for Pender County for six years in a period of unprecedented growth for the county’s tourism sector.
“It is an honor and a privilege to lead Pender County’s Tourism, building on the record of innovation and success that has made us a leader in the North Carolina travel and tourism industry,” says Dawson. “I look forward to continuing to build with the Pender County Tourism team, the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), the Board, local businesses, and the many community stakeholders who make Pender County special.”
In her role as Tourism Director, she will guide a team in the development and execution of all tourism-related activities to promote visitation to Pender County. Dawson will oversee the Pender County Tourism Visitor Center’s marketing, sales, and operation.
“I have no doubt she will do a wonderful job, and I look forward to working with her in her new position as tourism director,” said Pender County Manager David Andrews. “After working with Mrs. Dawson as Tourism Assistant and Mayor of Burgaw, I know she is the most talented and dedicated person for the position,” said Andrews. “As a Pender County native, she will be a great resource for the position as she knows all the great things we have to offer.”
Dawson has served as the Festival Coordinator and Executive Director of the North Carolina Blueberry Festival, which draws over 40,000 people annually. She is currently the director of The North Carolina Blueberry Scholarship Pageant, which provides scholarships to young women in Eastern North Carolina. She is also co-chair of Pender County Long Term Recovery Group, a long-term recovery group formed due to Hurricane Florence.
As Tourism Director, Dawson will fill the role vacated by Tammy Proctor, who is retiring after nine years of leadership.
Dawson begins her new role on December 3.
