Dyer named Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau leader

Sue Loughlin, The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.
·2 min read
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Apr. 9—Karen Dyer has been promoted to serve as executive director of the Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau, the bureau's board announced Tuesday.

Dyer, who had been the bureau's director of strategic initiatives, succeeds David Patterson, who retires after 30 years of service.

Dyer is focused on building community partnerships and strategic growth of tourism initiatives locally, regionally, and at the state level, according to a news release.

"We are thrilled to have Karen Dyer as our new executive director," said Greg Gibson, president of the bureau's board. "Karen's passion for promoting Terre Haute, combined with her track record of leadership and innovation, make her the ideal person to take the THCVB into the future."

Before joining the bureau, Dyer served 27 years in higher education fundraising, marketing, communications and strategic planning. Most recently, she was executive vice president for advancement and strategic initiatives at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College.

"I am honored to have this opportunity," Dyer said. "David established the THCVB as a leader in the state's tourism industry with a specific focus on sports tourism, bringing people across the United States to our community. We owe a great deal to David for his leadership and for laying a strong foundation that has positioned Terre Haute where it is today — on a tourism growth trajectory."

Dyer will oversee the bureau's marketing of the See You In Terre Haute brand, promotion, strategic planning, partnership development, regionalism initiatives and operations. She will work closely with the board, staff, and community stakeholders.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation's 2022 report, released in February 2024, underscored the positive impact of tourism on Vigo County's economy, according to the THCVB.

Visitor spending reached $283 million, generating a total economic impact of $166 million and supporting 3,865 jobs. Tourism activities contributed $31.3 million in revenues in 2022.

This summer, Terre Haute will host the Terre Haute Air Show and Special Olympics Indiana 2024 Summer Games. The new Larry Bird Museum also is slated to open.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at sue.loughlin@tribstar.com. Follow Sue on X at @TribStarSue.