The Savannah Area Tourism Leadership Council did not go on tour to find its new executive director.
The local tourism industry group known as the TLC didn’t even leave Savannah.
Michael T. Owens, general manager of local hotelier HLC Hotels, will succeed Marti Barrow as TLC executive director on Nov. 9. Barrow announced her resignation last month after six years of leading the organization.
“He was a natural fit for our organization,” said Jack Bussert, president of the TLC’s board of directors. “He has diverse strengths in community relations and advocacy, financial management and oversight, hotel management, food and beverage management.”
Owens has worked with HLC Hotels for 11 years, “starting at the bottom and working the way to the top,” he said. The company owns and operates six historic inns in downtown Savannah, including The Marshall House and the all-suite Oglethorpe Inn & Suites on Hodgson Memorial Drive. HLC Hotels also manages eight Masters Inn properties in the Southeast.
Owens has served on the TLC board of directors since 2010 and the Visit Savannah board for the last year.
“I’m happy to see Michael take the reins at the TLC,” Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli said. “He is a strong leader who will help that organization in its tourism advocacy and front-line service training efforts.”
The TLC boasts close to 250 members from Savannah’s hospitality businesses. The group offers members education and training opportunities, networking socials and special events.
The TLC four-person staff is based out of the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.
“The mission of the TLC is vital to our industry,” Owens said. “It is a place for businesses both big and small to work together to ensure hospitality in Savannah is second to none.”