Houston, TX – Gerard “Jordy” Tollett’s run as president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau will come to a gradual end this year. Tollett announced on December 29 that he would not re-apply for the position he held since 1998 but would segue into a new role as a consultant for the bureau in 2007 while looking at other potential opportunities.
The GHCVB voted in November to conduct a search for a possible replacement for the successful but often controversial Tollet, whose contract expires in February. Tollett was invited to apply for another stint with the bureau and had originally planned to do so. However, he decided on the final days of the year to look at other options. A search committee was formed last fall to review candidates for the job.
Tollett, 54, began his career with the city of Houston and its exhibition industry as a teenager and wound up working under four different mayors. In 1981, he was named director for the city Convention and Entertainment Facilities Dept.
During his career, Tollett forged relationships with Houston movers and shakers as well as a large number of trade show and convention organizers. The gregarious salesman for the city said his contacts among organizers and meeting planners would make him a valuable asset as a consultant.
Meanwhile, the GHCVB operations will be run by Board Chairman Doug Horn and Chairman Emeritus Don Henderson.
Reach Jordy Tollett at (713) 437-5202 or jtollett@ghcvb.org.
