June 26, 2008
IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Governor names four new members of Tourism Board

Gov. Martin O’Malley recently announced the confirmation of four appointments to the Maryland Tourism Development Board, effective July 1. The board is an advisory panel for the Office of Tourism Development, the tourism-marketing arm of the state.

“The tourism board is a vital entity that guides our efforts to showcase and expand Maryland tourism – the fourth largest industry in our state,” Gov. O’Malley said. “It’s especially valuable in today’s competitive climate to have the counsel of a strong, experienced tourism board.”

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New board members include an executive for a pair of prominent Baltimore retail destinations, two restaurateurs, and a former Olympian who operates an adventure sports venue. They are:

• Christopher S. Schardt, senior general manager at Harborplace and The Gallery in downtown Baltimore.
• Greg Shockley, owner of Shenanigan’s Irish Pub in Ocean City and a past president of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
• Paul Bales, co-owner of The Crossing at Casey Jones Restaurant in Charles County and a former member of Maryland Restaurant Association’s board of directors.
• Matthew Taylor, executive director of Adventure Sports Center International, located near Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. Taylor was a two-time Olympian – 2000 in Sydney and 2004 in Athens – in white-water slalom canoeing.

“We’re thrilled to add these outstanding leaders to the tourism board,” said Margot Amelia, executive director of the Tourism Office. “They each have special talents that will blend well with the board’s efforts to advance Maryland tourism.”