Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus Names Kathleen Frankford Executive Director

Image: PHOTO: Kathleen K. Frankford, CDME. (photo courtesy of Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus)
Image: PHOTO: Kathleen K. Frankford, CDME. (photo courtesy of Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 4:06 PM ET, Wed October 7, 2020

WHY IT RATES: Frankford brings to the table more than a quarter-century of experience in the tourism industry.-Patrick Clarke, TravelPulse Senior Writer


The Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (TACVB) has named Kathleen K. Frankford, CDME, its new executive director.

Frankford has over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, specializing in refining organizational development, strategic marketing and communications, government relations, and community engagement.

Prior to joining TACVB, Frankford was VP of Marketing with MMGY NextFactor, where she consulted with destinations to optimize their strength, resources, and operations through assessments and strategic planning. She previously held two leadership roles with destination organizations in Pennsylvania -serving as President of Discover Lancaster, where she successfully rebranded the destination and revamped its business model, and as the first Tourism Director for the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. Frankford has also spearheaded rebranding initiatives and organizational restructuring of the Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company as well as Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and American Music Theatre.

"Kathleen's multifaceted experience addresses the full scope of TACVB's needs, and we know she will be a great asset to the association and to the membership," said Mark W. Thompson, Chairman of the Board of TACVB.

Frankford volunteers as a board member for Destinations International's Certified Destination Management Executives (CDME) program and as an instructor for the CDME Destination Leadership core class. She is also a past member of the Travel Foundation Board.

Frankford resides in Dallas with her partner, Craig Davis.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...