CARMEL – Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell appointed Tracey Walsh, a long-time Carmel resident, as the county’s director of tourism. She named Walsh after the county legislature created the Department of Tourism this week.
Until now, the county contracted with a private company to handle tourism. That company recently walked away from its role.
“We can do better at tourism and I think we will,” said legislature Chairman Joseph Castellano. “It will be better to have a Putnam County employee that will be able to attend our meetings and listen to our concerns and hopefully we can point this person in the right direction for the people of Putnam County.”
Walsh, a senior community development manager for The American Cancer Society, was selected from several applicants.
“Sometimes the perfect person is someone close to home,” Odell said. She called Walsh “smart, fast-thinking and goal-oriented.”
Walsh plans to leverage the county’s assets – five Metro-North stops, shops and restaurants, community arts groups – to attract day-trippers and more to the county.
“This county is a gem. Tilly Foster Farm is a jewel. The Great Swamp is a birder’s paradise. Cold Spring offers a vibrant Main Street. From hiking to history, there is just so much here,” said Walsh.
