Atlanta Georgia

Kathleen Bertrand

Senior Vice President, Community & Governmental Affairs
Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau

In 1983, Kathleen Bertrand joined the staff of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB), first as membership account executive and later as advertising and membership manager. In 1990, Bertrand was promoted to vice president of membership and community affairs. Under her leadership, membership growth increased by a significant 70 percent from 780 to more than 1,350 ACVB member companies. In February 2007, Bertrand assumed the title of senior vice president of community and governmental affairs.

Bertrand has been instrumental in the development of ACVB's diversity marketing programs as well as Atlanta's designation as the top city for African-American visitors. She was recognized by Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of "Atlanta's Top Hospitality Industry Leaders," by Atlanta Business League as one of "Atlanta's Top 100 Black Women of Influence," and by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine as one of the "Most Influential African-Americans in the Meetings/Tourism Industry." Bertrand is the 2007 recipient of the APEX Award for Distinguished Service from Black Meetings and Tourism Magazine, as well as the "Mecca Award" presented by Welcome Magazine.

Bertrand's board affiliations include the Grady Hospitality Academy Industry Advisory Board, Board member of The Grady High School Foundation, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, the Advisory Board for North Atlanta High School Hospitality Program, the Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Committee of Atlanta Technical College, the Black Women's Film Preservation Project and Keep Atlanta Beautiful.

Additionally, Bertrand is a well-known jazz recording artist and writer, with performances ranging from the inauguration of Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin to two Olympic Games, from performances before two presidents to appearances at jazz festivals worldwide. She will release her fifth CD, "Katharsis," in summer 2008.

A native of Atlanta and a graduate of Spelman College, Bertrand is an active member of Cascade United Methodist and is the mother of four.