Olivia Dawson

Pender County has hired Olivia Dawson as its new tourism director.

Dawson, a Pender County native, has been a tourism assistant for Pender County for six years in a period of unprecedented growth for the county's tourism sector, according to a news release.

In her role as tourism director, she will guide a team in the development and execution of all tourism-related activities to promote visitation to Pender County. Dawson will oversee the Pender County Tourism Visitor Center's marketing, sales, and operation, the release stated.

Dawson has served as the festival coordinator and executive director of the N.C. Blueberry Festival, which draws over 40,000 people annually. She is currently the director of the N.C. Blueberry Scholarship Pageant. She is also co-chair of Pender County Long Term Recovery Group, a group formed because of 2018's Hurricane Florence, the release stated.

Dawson was recognized by the N.C. Festival & Events Association in 2019 as Festival Director of the Year. In 2020, she was a 40 under 40 honoree. Dawson made history a few years ago when she was elected Burgaw's first female mayor. She is also one of the youngest to hold the office.

"I have no doubt she will do a wonderful job, and I look forward to working with her in her new position as tourism director," said Pender County Manager David Andrews in the release. "After working with Mrs. Dawson as Tourism Assistant and Mayor of Burgaw, I know she is the most talented and dedicated person for the position," said Andrews. "As a Pender County native, she will be a great resource for the position as she knows all the great things we have to offer."

Dawson will fill the role vacated by Tammy Proctor, who is retiring after nine years of leadership as Pender County's tourism director, the release stated. Dawson begins her new role in Pender County on Dec. 3.