The Georgia World Congress Center Authority announces the appointment of Joe Bocherer – an experienced and proven leader within the convention, hospitality and tourism industries – as the organization’s new Chief Commercial Officer.

Bocherer, who most recently served as Head of Sales and Marketing for InterContinental Hotels Group’s U.S. franchise division, has 20 years of convention and visitors bureau and hotel sales experience with extensive knowledge of group and transient-driven business. He has served as Vice President of Sales for Experience Columbus (Ohio), Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing for White Lodging, and several key positions with Hyatt Hotels including Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Regional Vice President of Sales over the Southeast select service division.

As the GWCCA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Bocherer presides over Sales and Marketing, Business Development, Customer Analytics and Revenue Management, all products and contracted service agreements.

“Joe’s addition to the Authority is significant as he rounds out our restructured executive team,” said Frank Poe, Executive Director of the GWCCA. “With his extensive background in the hospitality industry, and in particular the convention business, we are confident Joe will provide strong leadership for our commercial team while continuing the organization’s focus on customer experience.”

The Chief Commercial Officer position was created as part of the first phase of a strategic reorganization plan that included the appointment of key leaders in new roles.

“I knew as soon as I met with Frank, his executive team and several board members, that this is where I needed to be. We were fully aligned on what success looked like and what it would take to get there in the short and long term. I couldn’t be more excited to move forward with this incredible organization and am humbled for their trust in me to lead the Commercial team,” said Bocherer, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from The Pennsylvania State University.

The reorganization plan, hastened by the opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, decommissioning of the Georgia Dome, and major enhancements to Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Center, is a result of Poe’s original concept of expanding the Authority’s brand and footprint, crystalized in the 2020 Vision strategic plan: https://www.gwcca.org/about-the-gwcca/campus-development/vision-2020/.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of this historic transformation of the GWCCA campus while creating a memorable experience for every visitor and attendee,” said Bocherer.

Bocherer succeeds longtime Authority executive Carl Adkins who has taken a position as Executive Director of Atlanta Football Host Committee, Inc.

Bocherer and his wife, Erin, live in Canton, Ga. with their three children — Brady 14, Carly 12 and Ellie 10. He spends time at the lake, golfing, mountain biking, playing basketball, snow skiing and watching his kids compete in various sports.