George stepping down as CEO of South County Tourism Council

MYRNA GEORGE, the CEO and president of the South County Tourism Council, is leaving her post. / COURTESY LINKEDIN
MYRNA GEORGE, the CEO and president of the South County Tourism Council, is leaving her post. / COURTESY LINKEDIN

(Updated 1:25 p.m.)
SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Myrna George, the CEO and president of the South County Tourism Council, is leaving her post and the council is advertising the position.
“My plans are that I’m 69 years old and it’s time to go,” George said Thursday. “I’ve been talking to the board about it for two years.”
George is leaving the position in March.
In the post about 12 years, George broadened the council’s marketing strategy and helped produce an annual tourism guide that has proved popular with tourists and won national awards, former council board Chairman Frank Prosnitz said.
“When Myrna came in, things were somewhat unsettled and she basically brought stability to the council,” he said.
Prosnitz, still a board member, stepped down from the chairmanship in October.
“The dedication and time and effort Myrna has put in has been just wonderful,” added Board Chairwoman Pati DeWardener. “She has broadened the horizons and helped make it not just a summer but a year-round tourist destination.”
George said the council had a $100,000 deficit when she took over but is flourishing now.
“We’ve grown into a million-dollar organization and we’ve become accredited by Destination Marketing Association International,” she said. “The magazine has been recognized and videos have been recognized with awards. And we’re really poised to expand. We need more help and funding to be all we can be.”
George sought a $190,000 retirement package and did get it, she said, although the exact amount won’t be known until she retires.
“I gave up a 10-percent match on my pension to make the company solvent so we could put ourselves on terra firma,” she said. “Delayed compensation will be based on a lower rate of pay and giving up the 10-percent match.”
According to Guidestar.org, which tracks 990 forms for nonprofits, George made $91,008 in fiscal year 2013-14 and other expenses totaling $8,673.
The ad on www.indeed.com calls for “local” candidates only and has a cutoff date of Dec. 30 to submit a letter of interest and resume.

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