Stephanie Ramey, 34
Executive director
Discover Central Massachusetts, Worcester
Residence: Worcester
Birthplace: Worcester
College: Worcester State University
Central Massachusetts has long relied on visitors from the immediate area to fuel the tourism industry, but with Ramey leading DCM, that appears to be changing. In the past year, website visits for the area’s tourism office have risen 50% or more from Boston and New York City and by 84% from Connecticut. Ramey and DCM, which covers 34 cities and towns, are developing a new phone app to make attractions and restaurants easier to find. That initiative joins an effort to get more businesses and organizations to hold meetings in the region. Ramey, who became the office’s executive director in spring 2018 after a variety of sales and marketing jobs, grew up in Worcester, went to Worcester State University and lives in Worcester today. She has seen first-hand how the region has changed and decided to raise her three young children in the city. During Ramey’s still-brief tenure as executive director, DCM has risen to among the best-regarded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, which has led to much-needed funding increasing for the small office. That’s allowed for the pursuit of additional marketing campaigns. Since she started at DCM as a sales manager, the organization has been connected to more than $50 million in estimated economic impact linked to hotel stays, events booked and services rendered. – Profile written by Grant Welker
If could live anywhere in the world for one month, where would it be? Ireland. I have an intense desire to learn more about my family history.
Favorite Central Mass. tourist attraction? Vincent’s Bar. I love the live music, the grittiness and a nice cold beer.
What is the highest compliment someone could give you? That I’ve raised kind, loving and hard-working children.
