SearchWide Global Announces New Leader for SearchWide Connect

SearchWide Global is proud to announce Wendy Moran as the Global Head of its new division, SearchWide Connect. This strategic move comes as part of the firm’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for swift and high-quality mid-level management placements in all sectors currently being served in the retained search division.

Wendy Moran will spearhead operations for SearchWide Connect. She is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition and HR consulting. Her ability to design and implement effective recruiting strategies has enabled her to attract, evaluate, and hire top talent for organizations across various industries. 

SearchWide Connect is designed to fill a critical void in the industry by offering expedited placement services without compromising the quality of the process or candidates. Recognizing the pressing need for many clients, particularly in the hotel and resort sector, SearchWide Global has expanded its team and resources to launch this innovative service.

The primary goal of SearchWide Connect is to provide exceptional mid-level management candidates at a faster pace than traditional executive search services. This division is supported by a team of talented industry professionals who possess the agility and expertise to swiftly identify and recruit talent.

“We are thrilled to welcome Wendy Moran to lead SearchWide Connect. Her expertise and leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality of service and candidates. This new division is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence in the executive search industry,” said Mike Gamble, Chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global.

Offering this solution has been a priority for SearchWide Global, and the firm has ensured that the right team is in place to deliver a seamless, high-quality experience akin to its executive search service.

Wendy Moran resides in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, and has an extensive background in talent acquisition, employer branding, recruitment technology optimization, and HR consulting. She has been recognized for her strategic guidance, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to fostering professional growth among her team members. Wendy has also been actively involved in various volunteer activities, including career counseling and fundraising for educational and social services organizations.

“I’m excited to bring my years of experience in talent acquisition strategy to SearchWide Connect. Together, we’ll expand our offerings and continue to provide top-tier solutions to our clients,” said Wendy Moran, Global Head of SearchWide Connect.

About SearchWide Global
SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm that places executives primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, with several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on their core values for more than two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, RESPECT, and INCLUSION.

For more information, please contact:
Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

SearchWide Global Announces Key Leadership Promotions Ahead of 25th Anniversary

SearchWide Global recently announced the promotion of Mark Gnatovic to President of Retained Search and Cambria Jones to Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, effective August 5, 2024. These strategic moves come as SearchWide Global prepares to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in September 2024, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and growth in the industry.

“We are thrilled to announce these significant promotions,” said Mike Gamble, Chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Mark and Cambria have been instrumental in our success, and their new roles will allow them to further drive our mission and vision. These changes position us strongly as we approach our 25th Anniversary and continue to connect top talent with premier organizations.”

Mark Gnatovic has been with SearchWide Global for nearly two decades, and his promotion to President of Retained Search is a testament to his leadership, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the firm. In his new role, Mark will oversee all retained search operations. His focus will be driving growth and revenue while diversifying the firm’s portfolio of industry segments served.

“I am honored to take on the role of President – Retained Search,” said Mark. “Over nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand the impact of our dedication to integrity, ethics, passion, respect, and inclusion. I look forward to continuing working alongside our outstanding team to help expand our reach and level of touch while ensuring we continue to connect top talent with leading organizations.”

Cambria Jones is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP). With her innovative vision and strategic approach, Cambria has played a pivotal role in enhancing SearchWide Global’s brand presence and client engagement. In her new role as Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, she will lead the firm’s marketing strategies and initiatives as well as the delivery of exceptional client and candidate experiences. She will focus on ensuring the highest standards for clients and candidates throughout the entire search process.

“I’m incredibly excited and thankful for the opportunity to lead our Marketing and Experience team,” said Cambria. “Our firm takes great pride in providing exceptional service to our candidates and clients. I look forward to continuing to enhance our marketing and experience initiatives with continuity from beginning to end.”   

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter

Effective July 1, 2024, Brian-Douglas Stanwood joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with the firm’s Director and C-level searches and business development initiatives in the destinations segment.

With over twenty years of experience in the hospitality and tourism sectors, Brian-Douglas brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. He has held various significant roles, including Assistant Director of Sales/National Sales at Visit Aurora, Director of Strategic Alliance at Meeting Professionals International as a Board Member, and leadership positions at Event Travel Management, Renaissance Denver Hotel, Kimpton Hotels, and Cheyenne Mountain Resort, all while starting his DMO experience at Visit Denver. His extensive background and destination marketing and tourism expertise make him an invaluable asset to the SearchWide Global team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian-Douglas to our team,” said Kellie Henderson, Senior Vice President at SearchWide Global. “His industry knowledge and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission. We are confident that Brian-Douglas will significantly contribute to the success of our clients.”

In his new role, Brian-Douglas will focus on identifying and recruiting top talent for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, and other tourism-related entities. His passion for the industry and his commitment to fostering strong partnerships will be instrumental in driving the growth and success of SearchWide Global’s clients.

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to join the SearchWide Global team and learn from and work with exceptionally talented people in our industry. I look forward to engaging with our clients and candidates and contributing to their success and future needs,” said Brian-Douglas.

Brian-Douglas resides in the Denver Metropolitan Area with his spouse, John, who is also in the hospitality industry. They have a daughter, Quinley Pippin, who is about to enter 5th grade, and a dog named Goldberg. Their family enjoys traveling, cooking, engaging in community service, and exploring the outdoors.

SearchWide Global Welcomes Vice President Andrea Christopherson

St. Paul, MN, April 19, 2023 — Effective April 17, 2023, Andrea Christopherson joined SearchWide Global as a Vice President to assist with SearchWide Global’s Director and C-Level searches and business development initiatives in the experiential event marketing segment along with the tradeshow and convention industries.

 

“Andrea is an excellent addition to our team. With her experience in hospitality and talent acquisition, she will bring our recruitment efforts to a new level,” said Mark Gnatovic, Executive Vice President at SearchWide Global.

 

Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX Metroplex, Christopherson brings over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition, training, sales & marketing, event, and customer experience. She most recently served as a Chief Experience Officer with SalesBoost and was instrumental in building the brand and leading business development, marketing & strategic partnerships, content development, training programs, talent acquisition, and customer experience. She also has experience working with Omni Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Aerotek (Allegis Group).

 

“I am honored to join the SearchWide Global team, and I look forward to helping the industry continue to thrive by connecting best-in-class talent with best-in-class organizations,” said Andrea Christopherson.

 

Christopherson’s keen understanding of business strategy, organizational effectiveness, change management, and talent acquisition will support SearchWide Global’s Executive Search and Organizational Strategy initiatives.

Christopherson graduated from Texas State University with an Organizational Communications and Media Studies degree. She serves on the UNT CMHT Advisory Board, the C.T. Bauer College of Business Customer Experience Advisory Board, and previously, the Visit Frisco Customer Advisory Board.

She lives in Frisco, Texas, where she enjoys coaching sports teams, volunteering at local charitable organizations, including NCL, spending time with her family, attending live events, and doing outdoor exercise.

 

About SearchWide GlobalSearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on their core values for more than two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, RESPECT, and INCLUSION.

 

For more information, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report

Sports ETA, SearchWide Global, and Northstar Meetings Group Present New Executive Compensation Report for the Sports Events and Tourism Industry

 

Sports ETA and SearchWide Global partnered to release the “2023 Sports Destination Leaders Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report” led by researchers from Stoll Strategies, sponsored by the Northstar Meetings Group.

 

The benchmark study provides an overall look at the employment landscape for the $39.7 billion sports events and tourism industry among sports destinations while offering a resource to organizations with actionable information.

 

The last industry Salary, Compensation and Benefits Report was conducted in 2013 by Enigma Research Corporation. The research for the 2023 report was led by Dr. Jennifer Stoll, and Dr. Blake Price, from Stoll Strategies.

 

Data from more than 200 sports destination leaders, with a majority of those employed by a Destination Marketing Organization or Convention & Visitors Bureau, was collected and organized in the six following areas of the report:

  • Organization Information
  • Performance Goals
  • Industry Experience
  • Employment Agreements
  • Salaries and Bonuses
  • Benefits

 

A tool kit is also included in the report and will serve as an advocacy tool to help organizations advance sports events and tourism in their destinations.

SearchWide Global Welcomes Executive Recruiter Kathryn Millard

(St. Paul, MN)  — Effective February 7, 2022, Kathryn Millard joined SearchWide Global as an Executive Recruiter to assist with SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort searches and business development initiatives.

 

“We are excited to have Kathryn join our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be essential in advancing our services in the hotel and resort sector,” said John Brich, Vice President, SearchWide Global.

 

Based in Amelia Island, FL, Millard brings 14 years of experience in hotels and resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Omni Amelia Island, and most recently the W South Beach as a Senior Sales Executive. With her extensive knowledge of hotels and resorts, she will support SearchWide Global Vice President John Brich, who leads SearchWide Global’s hotel and resort practice.

 

“I am thrilled to be joining SearchWide Global and helping change lives by finding the perfect fit for both our candidates and clients. I’m looking forward to making a difference and changing the trajectory of one’s career, just like SearchWide Global did for me.”

Millard graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration – Marketing. She lives on Amelia Island with her husband, two sons, and their chihuahua, Daisy.

 

About SearchWide GlobalSearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm, placing hundreds of executives, primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA, and several regional offices, SearchWide Global is able to serve clients and candidates nationwide. Founded in 1999, they have remained focused on four core values for almost two decades: INTEGRITY, ETHICS, PASSION, and RESPECT.

 

For more information, please contact:

Cambria Jones | jones@searchwideglobal.com

Strategic Solutions Partner’s 2021 GIG STUDY: Rethinking the Recovery

This year, Strategic Solution Partners teamed up with SearchWide Global and SalesBoost to survey a steadily changing hospitality landscape as it pertains to talent and the Gig Economy and we found that, after an exhausting pandemic, the gap in talent acquisition and retention has widened. The talent crisis has been exacerbated with the max exodus of great talent to other industries.

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Here are a few things you can expect to read about in this comprehensive report:

 

  • When executives expect to return to pre-Covid staffing levels
  • The impact of talent loss at property, regional and corporate teams
  • The evolving hospitality staffing model
  • Key characteristics of future talent and what to look for
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Our 2021 study includes hard data from hotel executives that saw it coming. Adaptability and thinking outside the box in terms of staffing is how they are going to recover both talent and revenue.
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Strategic Solution Partners (SSP) is a full-service hospitality solutions provider specializing in strategic planning, revenue enhancement, and taskforce sourcing for the world’s leading hotels, hospitality businesses, and hotel groups. By delivering high-level solutions including revenue growth strategies, strategic consultancy on operations and sales, and sourcing of experienced task force professionals, SSP aims to shape the hospitality industry by maximizing business performance and operational efficiency. Through integrity, honesty, and ethics, SSP offers its consultants and partners the support, respect and freedom to make a positive impact on our world.

 

 

 

SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment / Chamber of Commerce. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and operates worldwide. For more information visit SearchWideGlobal.com.

Tourism Diversity Matters Launches To Inspire And Create Change For Tourism And Events Industry

TOURISM DIVERSITY MATTERS LAUNCHES TO INSPIRE AND CREATE CHANGE

FOR TOURISM AND EVENTS INDUSTRY

Collective Impact Approach Commits to Eliminating Disparities Through Advocacy and Education; ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and

SearchWide Global Among Founding Partners

 

 

 

PAUL, MN — Elliott Ferguson, Chairman of the Board for Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global today announced the collective impact model to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives.

 

Founding partners include ConferenceDirect Foundation, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), and SearchWide Global.

 

Ferguson, one of the few Black leaders in destination marketing has been a long-time advocate for repairing diversity deficiencies and misrepresentations in the corporate environment.

 

“Addressing racism should impact how you lead – it’s an American issue,” said Ferguson. “As many are confronting these issues for the first time, we can’t turn a blind eye and we can’t turn back. The pandemic has forced us to slow down and focus on being human. We need to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations and having these discussions not only at home, but also in the workplace.”

 

TDM’s four guiding pillars include Apprenticeship Programs; Workforce Development; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Research and Data. The goal is to sustain and expand the platform by collaborating with associated organizations and industries and notable research institutions to develop impactful solutions for all involved.

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters is a dedicated resource focused solely on creating long-term solutions through complete industry engagement and participation,” said Gamble. “The intention is to not replace existing good work happening in this area, but rather to shine a light on it, and add value and insight where needed.”

 

Greg DeShields, CDE, CHE, a respected leader on behalf of DEI and regarded for initiatives to raise Philadelphia’s image as a multicultural visitor destination, has been named Executive Director. In addition to this new leadership role, he will continue to lead PHL Diversity, a division of PHLCVB.

 

 

The inaugural Board of Directors includes:

 

  • Brandi Baldwin, CEO, Millennial Ventures Holdings
  • Debra Blair, Director of Organizational Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX
  • Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP, CEM, EVP & COO, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE); Chair-Elect, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Gregg Caren, President and CEO, PHLCVB
  • Mark Cooper, CEO, International Association of Conference Centers (IACC); Chairman, Events Industry Council (EIC)
  • Melissa Cherry, COO, Destinations International
  • Roger Dow, President and CEO, US Travel Association
  • Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line
  • Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO, Destination DC
  • Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global
  • Al Hutchinson, President and CEO, Visit Baltimore
  • Sherrif Karamat, President and CEO, PCMA
  • Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, CQIA, President and CEO, Association Forum
  • Brad Mayne, President and CEO, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
  • Lynette Montoya, President and CEO, Latino Hotel Association
  • Carrie Freeman Parsons, Chair, Freeman
  • Leah Smiley, President, Society for Diversity, Inc.
  • Brian Stevens, CEO, ConferenceDirect
  • Paul M. VanDeventer, President and CEO, Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
  • Telesa Via, VP, Sales, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants
  • Carl Winston, Director of the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, San Diego State University

 

“Tourism Diversity Matters offers the opportunity to reset and heal from a year filled with the most challenging moments in modern history,” said Carrie Freeman Parsons. “I am honored to be part of this important collaboration moving all toward an inclusive environment with equitable access and participation.”

 

Tiered partnership opportunities are available.  For more information about TDM’s mission and how the industry can be involved, please visit Tourism Diversity Matters.

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Editor’s Note: Headshots available upon request

 

Media Contact:

Meghan Risch

R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.

312.388.1174

meghan@r4commstrategies.com

 

 

About Tourism Diversity Matters

Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) is a 501 C (6) founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the blind spots of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce. At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data. TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success. Follow TDM @TDM_Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Board Diversity for Destination Organizations

“Recognize that diversity brings richness. Diversity brings new ideas.
Diversity brings growth. Diversity brings dynamism. Diversity brings
energy. And, lack of diversity means sameness, dullness, lack of growth.”
– Nonprofit Quarterly

 

In partnership with Destinations International and DMO Proz, please download and read the Board Diversity report here:

 

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A NEW Vision for the TRAVEL Industry

“It is difficult, but it is possible.” -Althea Gibson

 

We stand with these industry leaders and are ready to do our part. 

-Mike Gamble, President and CEO, SearchWide Global

 

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Read the letter here:

 

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SearchWide Global is a full-service executive search firm primarily for companies in Destination Organizations / Hotels & Resorts / Venue Management / Experiential Marketing, Tradeshow & Exhibition / Industry Associations / Sports & Entertainment. Specializing in C-Level and Director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global headquartered in St. Paul, MN, USA and operates worldwide.