After more than two decades in the role, Laurie Paolicelli recently announced this year is her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
Her retirement, effective Nov. 2., will conclude her work in leading CHOCVB through a “period of significant growth and transformation,” according to a May 12 release announcing the news. Paolicelli took to social media to share her gratitude.
“It’s been 20-plus years of connecting visitors to our communities,” Paolicelli wrote in the post. “Great campaigns with our ad agency’s creativity, festivals, international soccer, and sold-out crowds. Global leaders always ready with a plan and a laugh. Hospitality partners who made visitors feel welcome from the first hello.
“Outreach campaigns and banners that helped people find our stories,” she continued. “Preserving heritage and building local business districts. Volunteer teams and grassroots efforts that powered our events. Evening galas and awards, celebrating the impact we made together. Reminders that tourism is about community.”
In partnership with community stakeholders, her efforts have helped expand the local tourism industry by increasing the scale and diversity of major events, drawing thousands of visitors each year to downtown shops and restaurants. Notably, last month’s Savannah Bananas games held at Kenan Stadium generated more than $17 million in direct economic impact for the Town of Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas. Since 2023, major soccer games played at the UNC athletic facility have also been a contributor in attracting a significant number of overnight and day visitors.
Tuesday’s announcement highlighted the need for personal, face-to-face hospitality and tourism in an increasingly digital world. The statement celebrated the executive director’s ability to position those values as key contributors to the local economy, elevating the visibility of Orange County as a place to live, visit, and invest.
“[Paolicelli’s] leadership has been instrumental in shaping Orange County’s tourism economy,” CHOCVB Chair D.R. Bryan shared in the release. “Her focus on results, commitment to priorities, and consistent presence across the many events in Orange County have reminded us of the number and variety of tourism and hospitality attractions our county offers visitors and locals.”
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Related Stories
‹
Thanksgiving Holiday to Affect Local Government Services in Orange CountyThanksgiving will fall on Thursday, Nov. 28 this year, and the holiday will affect several local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s a rundown of what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 are both town holidays. Residential trash collection will not be affected. However, there […]
Easter Weekend to Affect Local Government ServicesThe observation of Good Friday on March 29 will alter several government services around Orange County. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Good Friday is an official town holiday. Residential trash collection will not be affected, but collection of yard trimmings, curbside recycling and commercial trash will not occur on Friday. Recycling […]
Local Government Closures for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (2024)The observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, January 15 will affect several local government services around the community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Residential trash will not be collected. Monday’s routes will be serviced on Wednesday, January 17. Curbside recycling will also not be collected on Monday, with […]
Chapel Hill Public Library Expanding Hours of OperationThe Chapel Hill Public Library is expanding its hours and adjusting its meeting room policies as part of its COVID-era Path to Reopening, director Susan Brown announced via newsletter last week. The library’s new hours, which were decided upon with input from both community partners and users, will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday […]
Local Services To Be Altered During Fourth of July WeekendJuly 4th falls on a Monday this year, meaning people around the country can enjoy a long weekend. Of course, that also means various government services here in the Orange County will be interrupted from their regular service patterns. Here’s a list of what services will be altered this weekend throughout Orange County: Town of […]
![]()
Early Voting Begins in Orange CountyOrange County residents can start voting on Thursday for the 2018 primary election. The first two days of early voting on Thursday and Friday will be held at the Orange County Board of Elections office in Hillsborough, additional locations open on Saturday. Orange County will have at least two new members of the board of […]
![]()
The Morning News: Glenwood Elementary Closing, Orange County Finalizes Budget, UNC Baseball Hosts Super RegionalIn today's news: the CHCCS school board votes to shut down Glenwood Elementary after the upcoming school year.
Facing Pressures In All Directions, Orange County Commissioners Near Budget DecisionOrange County Commissioners are holding a public hearing on next year's budget Thursday, May 28, with major decisions yet to be made.
Garbage Collection, Local Transit and More: How Memorial Day Will Impact Local ServicesThe observation of Memorial Day Monday, May 25 will affect local government services around the Orange County community. Here’s what residents can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Memorial Day is an official town holiday. Most town and other administrative offices will be closed. Residential trash will not be collected on Monday, with the make-up day […]
Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli Announces RetirementLaurie Paolicelli recently announced this year will be her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
›
