The City of Allen is rolling out the welcome mat with the appointment of Brandy O'Keefe as the new Director of the Allen Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), as the city aims to position itself as a top-notch destination within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. O'Keefe's resume boasts over 20 years of marketing prowess and a track record for revamping city spaces, an expertise she plans to leverage in elevating Allen's status as a travel and event hotspot, according to the City of Allen.
Her previous stint as Downtown Manager for the City of Celina saw her breathe life into downtown areas, with the implementation of the Downtown and Arts & Culture Master Plans. Not one to shy away from extensive projects, O’Keefe, has demonstrated her chops through facilitating improvements and driving community engagement, which are expected to serve her well in her new role. “Brandy brings a dynamic blend of innovative thinking and collaborative spirit to our executive team,” City Manager Eric Ellwanger said, per the City of Allen. "Her leadership will not only elevate Allen as a premier destination but also help fuel economic growth."
Ascending to the Director's chair isn't new territory for O'Keefe – she's journeyed through various marketing roles in the City of Allen's Public and Media Relations Office and the Parks and Recreation Department. Her claim to fame includes a pivotal role in event management with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, where she orchestrated the immensely successful International Children's Games, herding athletes, coaches, and VIPs with aplomb.
With a toolkit sharpened by a master's degree in sports management and sports psychology from Georgia Southern University and a bachelor's in psychology and health and exercise science from Centenary College, O'Keefe is poised to make a splash in her new role. “I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to return to the City of Allen and to serve in such an exciting capacity,” O’Keefe told the City of Allen. She's raring to explore fresh and imaginative methods to promote the city to both business and leisure travelers looking for that signature Allen experience.
The Allen CVB, nestled a mere stone's throw from Dallas, plays a crucial role in shepherding Allen’s image as a travel-friendly city. With numerous amenities like over 5 million square feet of shopping and 250-plus restaurants, the bureau's task of casting Allen in the tourism limelight seems primed for success under O'Keefe's guidance.