The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is appointing Donald (Donnie) Dawson to the position of Interim Director of Tourism, effective June 1, 2006.  Mr. Dawson, who serves as Deputy Director of Tourism, Sales/USA, and has more than 30 years of experience with the JTB, will act in the position until a suitable candidate has been identified to replace the current Director Mr. Paul Pennicook.  Mr. Pennicook’s tenure comes to an end on May 31.

Dennis Morrison, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, expressed the importance of appointing Mr. Dawson to this position, in order to ensure a smooth and continued flow of the organization’s work.  “Donnie’s sales and marketing expertise and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry will allow him to lead the organization through this transitional period.”

Mr. Dawson first joined the Jamaica Tourist Board in 1975 as a sales representative based at the organization’s headquarters in Kingston, transferring to the Florida office in 1977.  He was assigned as Regional Sales Manager in California in 1982, where he spearheaded the expansion of a satellite office into a full-service, fully staffed office that covered a region of 13 states.

An avid golfer, Donnie Dawson has been instrumental in organizing several major golf events for Jamaica, including the annual Jamaica Air Carriers Invitational (JACI), an industry tournament for travel agents and airline personnel.
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