Deb Archer

When I told my Board Chair that I intended to step down to launch my consultancy, he initially considered the process of a national search. I remember giving him "the look" and saying, "Really? Your next CEO is right here...and you know it."

A year previously, we had been able to snare Deb Archer from Visit KC as our VP of Sales. We had help in the process, as she was dating a Madison guy. But, from the moment she joined our team, it was clear to me that, one day, she would lead it and Madison's visitor economy. And, for just over 25 years she has done just that...and then some.

When I stepped away in May of 1995, I was intentional in laying low. Because I had been at the forefront of the fight to build our Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Convention Center, my face was synonymous with the DMO. I wanted to make sure that Deb became the focus. And, during that summer of '95, I rarely ventured out in public.

To set the story, you must know that Deb often busted my chops for spending too much time with elected officials...and not enough helping her close business or schmooze clients. I still smile today when I remember bumping into her on State Street on a brisk autumn day, six months after she had taken the helm..

She gave me "her look" and said, "I really hate you." As I recoiled in surprise, she said with a sigh, "I haven't been able to sell anything in months (and Deb loved to sell). All my time is spent with the Mayor and the Council and the County Board." And, we shared a laugh at what managing a Destination Marketing Organization had become.

Today, Deb announced her retirement from Destination Madison. She never lost her affection for destination sales...but she evolved into one of the best DMO CEOs in the nation. Had she not ultimately married her Madison boyfriend, I have no doubt that she would have gone on to lead a Top 20 DMO. Luckily for us, she stayed here in Madison.

Thank you, Deb, for all you've done for this community. While I may have played a role in the referendum win to build the Convention Center, you powered Destination Madison (the organization and the community) to heights that were unfathomable back then. This community owes you a debt of gratitude that will, sadly, never be repaid.

Now go enjoy your next chapter. You have been a blessing to us all.

 

Comments

[Renee Areng]

You are so generous, Bill. Such supportive words. Thank you for being the amazing man you are!

[Brad Dean]

Well said Bill. Deb is a passionate, creative promoter who embodies the best attributes of DMO leaders. Always has a kind word and good idea to offer. And you’d struggle to find someone who is more welcome and friendly - our world needs more Deb Archers!

[Deb Archer]

Bill, Your words always either make me smile or cry. This post did both. I was so fortunate to follow you and what you established for Madison. It's been a wild ride and you know better than most what it's like running a DMO in an "engaged" city! Thank you for paving the way. I wouldn't have thought I would be on this one for 25+ years. But, I'm not going to fade into the sunset. Someone needs to find something for me to do!!!

[Bill Geist]

Deb..."Fade" is never a word I would ever attribute to you. It's just not who you are. And, I know you'll continue to be a force and voice in our sector and our community (just not in the winter, LOL). Thanks again for all you've done for us all.

[Doug Small]

Congratulations Deb!! Enjoy every bit of "your" time; well deserved. Cheers!!

[Rob Zache]

Well played Bill…and Deb! Fate had it that I was the chair at that rancorous time that Bill refers to. Monona Terrace was a real political and funding struggle that turned into a part time job for me and a full time job for Bill, but without his dedication (and time) to get the job done it may not have ever happened. While there are many critical people who made MT happen, the likes of Nelson, Brennan and Geist rise to the top.

After MT was finally approved, it was bittersweet when Bill decided to leave the CVB and when he did I was also (by default) chair of the personnel committee that eventually hired Deb. I’ve said many time that it was the single best decision we at the Bureau ever made with the most positive consequences to so many for our organization and the community at large.

Behind the scenes, Deb methodically took a sleepy little membership organization with a micro-budget (and suddenly MT) that relied on events for funding (Taste of Madison, etc.), and while being suddenly thrust into the responsibilities of marketing MT, methodically turned the CVB into a national caliber and highly respected sales and marketing organization benefiting everyone in the market on par with anyone anywhere, and did it over the long run against great odds with class and dignity.

On behalf of the tourism, travel, hotel, restaurant and retail industries (which spider-web out benefiting many other related sectors and people) Deb was herself a rare economic engine making life better for all of us on many so levels. My hat will always be off to her. She WILL be missed.

PS: Hey Bill, MT aside, I still think our best accomplishment was to get the state law changed from only allowing beer to be served at the Taste in beer tents, to allow people to freely walk around the square with a beer in their hands…which I now feel obligated to do every year! Congrats on all your continued successes too!

[Bill Geist]

Thank you, Rob, for those exceptionally kind words. "Rancorous" describes those early days well...but our tribe of community leaders put aside difference and party affiliations to do what would transform Madison into the sensational community it is today. Sad that we may never see that kind of community unity again.

We all benefited greatly from Deb's leadership over the past 25 years. I trust the present Board will not settle in their search for her successor...but, they have a monumental task before them.

And, LOL...the Beer Garden bill was the cherry on top. With no Taste of Madison this year, I'll toast you this evening, my friend! Thanks again.