Charbonneau will retire from Salado on July 7

Debbie Charbonneau, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Executive Director for the Village of Salado, announced her retirement plans effective July 7.

Charbonneau was appointed Bureau Director on November 4, 2004 and has been with the Village for over ten years. Mrs. Charbonneau supervised activities related to event planning and execution, public relations, Visitor Center operations, meeting planning and attraction, and the general promotion of the Village. During her tenure with Salado, Charbonneau served on the Board of Directors for many statewide organizations including the Texas Travel Industry Association, Texas Downtown Association, the Meeting Professionals International, and the Texas Brazos Trail. In addition, Charbonneau served on local boards including Keep Salado Beautiful, Salado Community Foundation, and Leadership Salado.

“Her time with the Village of Salado has been a phenomenal success,” City manager Kim Foutz stated, “having responded to over one million tourism inquiries; providing leadership in the area of establishing an Ambassador Program; shepherding adoption of a Bureau Action Plan; establishing business training programs; working with the Tourism Council and the Village to create a Salado brand; and overseeing creation and implementation of two Tourism and Marketing Plans.”

“In my short time in working with Debbie, I have seen and experienced her passion for this Village,” Foutz said. “Debbie has the uncommon ability to rally volunteers, plan and supervise events, and carry out the mission of tourism. Her spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication will be greatly missed.”

When asked about her time with the Village, Charbonneau commented, “I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to help build Salado into a premier travel destination.” Charbonneau continues, “I have enjoyed seeing Salado grow and although I will not be here in person, I look forward to seeing all the great things that are in store for the Village.”

Charbonneau’s career includes over 16 years of public service in two cities; Georgetown (Main Street Manager) and Salado (Bureau Executive Director). Charbonneau says that she is excited about exploring new career opportunities and challenges in downtown revitalization and the travel industry.