Donald L. Patterson | 1973–1993
Donald L. Patterson served as the first President & CEO of the ASCVB from its founding in 1973 until his passing in 1993. A dedicated advocate for the hospitality industry, Don championed Greater Akron's hotels, attractions and tourism businesses while also contributing his leadership to the Ohio Travel Association and Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus.
His legacy continues through the Donald L. Patterson Hospitality Scholarship, supported by the annual Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in hospitality management at The University of Akron.
Susan L. Hamo | 1993–2012
Susan L. Hamo served as the second President & CEO of the ASCVB from 1993 until her passing in February 2012. She joined the Bureau in 1984 as a Sales Manager and later became Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Throughout her career, Susan was a strong advocate for tourism and its economic importance to the community. Under her leadership, the Bureau expanded its responsibilities in 1995 when the City of Akron selected the organization to manage and market the John S. Knight Center.
Susan's leadership extended throughout the state and national hospitality industry. She served in several professional organizations, was a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Travel & Tourism and was appointed to Ohio's Travel Industry Advisory Council in 1997. Her contributions continue to be recognized through the Susan L. Hamo Hospitality Person of the Year Award and Susan L. Hamo Plaza at the John S. Knight Center, where a plaque bears one of her favorite sayings: "May All Who Enter As Guests, Leave As Friends."
Gregg M. Mervis | 2012–Present
With nearly two decades of experience at the ASCVB and John S. Knight Center, Gregg M. Mervis was named the organization's third President & CEO in 2012. He began his career as Director of Sales in 1995, was promoted to Vice President in 1996 and became Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in 2008.
Throughout his career, Gregg has been actively involved in the hospitality industry at the local, state and national levels. His professional affiliations include Destinations International, the Ohio Travel Association, the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association. He also serves on the boards of Downtown Akron Partnership and the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, supporting efforts to strengthen tourism and the local visitor economy.