NEW YORK– Moves Magazine named Mary Kay Vrba, President, and CEO of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI), a 2019 Power Women Honoree at its annual gala event last week. The Moves Power Women Gala, now in its 16th year, honors and celebrates women who embody the magazine’s commitment to women’s rights, social fairness, and equality. Vrba and 24 others were selected from a broad spectrum of industries in 2019, for leading by example and acting as role models for future generations of young women.
With 32 years of tourism experience, Vrba has continuously spread the message that the strengthening of the local tourism industry leads to an ever-growing influx of tourists which, in turn, fuels economic growth. Vrba led the organization’s transition in 2013 from an arm of Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation to an independent 501c6 non-profit. Since then, DTI has grown in staffing and scope to provide more than 600 tourism-related entities in Dutchess County with business, marketing, education, and other support. In 2017, DTI became one of less than 200 destination marketing organizations worldwide to receive accreditation from Destinations International.
“No one is more deserving of this recognition than Dutchess Tourism Inc.’s Mary Kay Vrba,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro. “Our very own Power Woman, Mary Kay has put Dutchess County on the map as a global travel destination. For 25 years her impressive achievements externally promoting the county to potential visitors and internally fostering relationships among local industry partners at Dutchess Tourism, Inc. have earned her the utmost respect by her peers.”
“I am incredibly honored to be one of the many Moves Power Women honorees. It is humbling to stand among female heroes, leaders, and changemakers who have all made a difference in this world,” said Vrba. “I feel blessed to be in the business of travel, which gives people new experiences and stories to tell every day. The success of our local industry has a ripple effect that positively impacts our county residents. I am proud to say that our all-female team strives for excellence, knowing that it means an improved quality of life for our community.”
