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Recognizing and honoring Julie Coker for her dedication to the PHLCVB and Philadelphia and wishing her luck on her future endeavors.
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WHEREAS, Julie Coker grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, and visited Philadelphia often throughout her childhood. She is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she received a B.S. in Hospitality Management. In 1989, Coker used her Magna Cum Laude degree to earn a position with the Hyatt organization; and
WHEREAS, Coker had a 21-year career with Hyatt, where she held various positions in Columbus, Chicago, and Philadelphia. During her time at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing, Coker served as general manager; and
WHEREAS, Coker became President and CEO of the PHLCVB in 2016, where she oversaw all the organization's departments and operational duties. She was the only African American woman to lead a major convention and visitors bureau in the top 50 U.S. cities. Highlights of her work include overseeing the PHLCVB's role in the 2016 Democratic National Convention and the 2017 NFL Draft. These two events generated a combined $325 million in economic value for Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In 2018, the PHLCVB brought 1.3 million visitors and $500 million in economic impact to the region via conventions and meetings under Coker's leadership. That same year, the region also set a record for overall visitation; and
WHEREAS, Coker serves on several boards, including the U.S. Travel Association and Destinations International. She served as co-chair for U.S. Travel's Meetings Mean Business Coalition and secretary-treasurer for International Association of Exhibitions and Events Executive Committee. In Philadelphia, Coker served as a board member of the Global Philadelphia Association and on the executive committee for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. She also served on the Philadelphia International Airport Advisory Committee and the Mayor's Cultural Advisory Committee....
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