Mark Lewis Received Lifetime Achievement Award
The veteran tourism leader was honored for four decades of service to West Virginia at a statewide conference.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Awards
Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger presented Mark Lewis with the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2026 West Virginia Governor's Conference on Tourism. The recognition celebrates his lasting impact on the state's travel industry.
Why it matters
The award honors individuals who have made significant, long-term contributions to the growth and promotion of West Virginia tourism. It serves to highlight the lasting legacy of leaders who dedicate their careers to the regional economy.
Mark Lewis served in the tourism industry for more than 40 years, beginning as a whitewater rafting guide in 1981. He later transitioned to an executive role, serving as president and CEO of the Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau since 2012.
The players
Mark Lewis
He is the outgoing president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Kayla Kessinger
She serves as the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
The details
During the conference held in Charleston, Lewis received a standing ovation from attendees following the presentation of the award. The honor marks the culmination of a career that began in the whitewater rafting industry in Fayette County.
Timeline
Mark Lewis began his career as a whitewater rafting guide in 1981.
Lewis assumed his role as head of the Parkersburg bureau in 2012.
The award was presented to Lewis on September 22, 2026.
Mark Lewis is scheduled to retire on November 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
The recognition of Mark Lewis highlights a shift toward honoring long-term institutional knowledge within West Virginia's professional tourism landscape. This trend reflects a broader cultural appreciation for the veterans who shaped regional destination marketing over the last forty years.
This award marks the final chapter of a career that has shaped regional tourism outreach and local visitor services in the Parkersburg area. Residents and local business owners can expect a leadership transition at the bureau beginning in November.
The takeaway
Honoring long-term contributors helps preserve the professional history of regional travel sectors for future generations. Celebrating these milestones encourages new industry participants to build lasting partnerships within their own communities.
What happens next
Mark Lewis will officially step down from his position as president and CEO of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau on November 1, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local leaders at West Virginia Awards.
