Today the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announces that Betsy Wall has been selected as the agency's new chief marketing officer. Wall brings a wealth of public service experience to the position from roles in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C. Wall and her team will be charged with helping to reposition Rhode Island for visitor and businesses attraction purposes. Wall will guide the continuing efforts to rebrand Rhode Island and strategically deploy the new brand, once launched, across multiple media channels and other communication vehicles.
"Developing and deploying a statewide brand that attracts visitors and businesses is a top priority for the Raimondo Administration," said Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor. "Given her deep experience driving tourism in the New England region, Ms. Wall will provide the kind of strong, seasoned leadership we need in order to succeed in these efforts."
"The Commerce Corporation has been searching for top-talent to lead the State's marketing efforts for both tourism and business attraction," said Rhode Island Commerce Corporation President Darin Early. "Betsy's experience in brand-building and the public sector round out our strategy."
Wall recently served more than eight years as the executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, where she led the strategic redirection, including conversion to a nationally recognized, data-driven digital/social public relations and marketing program, resulting in a record $18.5 billion of revenue and a second-place national ranking for engagement. Additionally, Wall is the immediate past Chair of Discover New England, the marketing consortium of the New England states that focuses on international awareness.
"Rhode Island has a great story to tell and I am confident that my experience in travel, tourism and New England will help to propel Rhode Island's brand forward," said Commerce Corporation Chief Marketing Officer Betsy Wall. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity."
Wall's annual salary will be $135,000.