Gary Ewen, President and CEO
Gary started his nearly 40 year career with Lee County Government in 1984. His career started with an 11 year stint with Parks & Recreation. He then transitioned to a 9 year run with the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau where he built the sports marketing campaign for the greater Ft. Myers area from the ground up. In 2003 he was part of the transitioning of the sports marketing arm of the Visitor and Convention Bureau to the Lee County Sports Authority, to eventually become part of the Lee County Sports Development office.
During his tenure in sports, he assisted with Lee County's Economic Development office, in developing a strong effort to attract new business to Lee County.
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
- National Association of Sports Commissions/Sports ETA
- Florida Sports Foundation/Regional Sports Commissioner
- Amateur Athletic Union
- International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
- National Tour Association
- Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International
- Down Town Management Corporation
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified Sports Event Executive Program with the NASC/Sports ETA
- Certified Sports Marketing Professional University of Kentucky
- Certified Tour Professional with the National Tour Association
- Certified Professional in the Florida/National Recreation and Parks Association
- Certified Professional in Destination Management from the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus
- Successfully Completed the IACVB's "Sales Academy"
- Secured Certificate of Achievement in Tourism Marketing
AWARDS
- 2018 Presidents Award Recipient Amateur Athletic Union
- 2018 Recipient of the "Friends of Soccer Award Florida Youth Soccer Association
- 2016 Partner of the Year Florida Women's Bowling Association 2014 John Allen Impact Award Youth Basketball of America
- 2008 Recipient of the "Friends of Soccer" Award Florida Youth Soccer Association
- 2004 Recipient of the Member of the Year from the Independent Softball Association
- 2004 Recipient of the "Friends of Soccer Award" Florida Youth Soccer Association
- 2002 Presidents Award Recipient Amateur Athletic Union
- 2002 Hospitality Award Recipient Independent Softball Association
- 2002 One of the Ft. Myers News-Press "People Who Made a Difference"
- Lee County "Employee of the Month"1987
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (Past & Present)
- Two term Board Member of the National Association of Sports Commissions
- Chairman of the National Association of Sports Commission's Member Mentoring Committee
- Two term Board Member of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association
- National Softball Association Baseball Committee
- Amateur Athletic Union Softball Committee
- Board member Fort Myers Downtown Management Corporation
- Board Member Southwest Florida Attractions Association
- President Pine Lake Homeowners Association
GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE
- While with the Visitor and Convention Bureau acted as the County sports liaison on legislative sessions in Tallahassee
- Worked successfully with all City and County elected officials in my 40 year tenure in Lee County
- Fully understands government mechanics
- Successfully has demonstrated how to work effectively with elected officials
- Keenly understands how to go about generating political success through lobbying
EDUCATION
- Springfield College - Springfield, Massachusetts/Southern Connecticut State College/University of Kentucky
- Bachelor of Science, Community Services, 1983
- Above average cumulative totals
- Successfully achieved graduating early by attending evening and summer classes
- Hands on education prepared me for employment by providing real life experiences
- Completed sports management program at the University of Kentucky Sports Marketing Academy
Karen Ewen, Vice President and Director of Business Development
Karen began her 40 year career in the medical field. She has over 40 years of experience in customer service and finance. She has focused her recent career on tourism related trade shows and marketing.
Throughout her tenure her focus has been on customer satisfaction, retainment and to increase sales through extensive sales and marketing initiatives.
Her varying career has provided her with hands on experience in sales, financial administrative support and revenue generation. She holds various certifications in the medical field and has assisted growing Pinnacle Tourism Strategies from the ground up.
Karen's career has yielded front line experience in government relations, the fitness industry, child care, finance and a wide array of areas in the medical field.
Her lengthy experience in tourism travel has spanned over 10 years
Karen and Gary are proud owners of Pinnacle Tourism Strategies and Southwest Florida Sports and Entertainment Group
