ATLANTA - (June 25, 2001) - Georgia World Congress Center Authority officials today announced the recent appointment of a new director of sales and marketing.

Patricia A. "Pattsie" Rand, a veteran of more than 17 years in sales and marketing in the Atlanta hospitality community, will now lead the marketing, sales and communications programs of the Georgia World Congress Center, Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park.

"We're extremely lucky to have someone with Pattsie's experience in the hospitality industry leading our marketing organization," said John Smith, general manager of the Georgia World Congress Center. "Her work with the Westin and the Holiday Inn brought her into close contact with many of the organizations that have been our customers for years. This is an extra, added benefit in helping us compete in the convention business arena."

Ms. Rand, who joined the GWCCA in January 2000 as sales director, will coordinate the GWCCA's marketing programs with those of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the City of Atlanta.

Prior to joining the Authority, Ms. Rand worked for eight years at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, advancing from sales manager to director of group sales. From 1988 to 1992, she was director of sales and marketing at the Holiday Inn Conference Center Plaza, participating in the opening of the hotel's 4,000-square-foot conference center.

Prior to that, she was director of catering and convention services at the Radisson Inn and Conference Center.

A native of New Castle, Penn., Ms. Rand attended Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. She and her husband, Michael Rand, national sales manager for Barber Foods, have lived in Marietta for 25 years. The couple has two grown daughters and a three-year-old grandson.

"I'm extremely excited to be leading the marketing and sales department as we look forward to the completion of Phase IV of the Georgia World Congress Center," said Ms. Rand. "We expect this new addition, and all of the development around it, to allow us greater availability for conventions, sporting events and major entertainment attractions."

She added, "We intend to strengthen our involvement with the Georgia Sports Council and our major tourism partners - the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Georgia Department of Trade and Tourism, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International and Meeting Professionals International. Together, we'll generate even greater revenue for Georgia's hospitality industry."

The GWCC Authority also announced June 25, the recent appointments of several other new employees within the Department now led by Ms. Rand. Other newly hired employees include: Katy Pando, communications manager; Cindy Walker, communications editor; Barbara Washington and John Julian,communications coordinators.