CHARLESTON — The head of the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, who announced plans to retire this fall, was recognized Tuesday for more than four decades influencing tourism across West Virginia.
Long career capped by statewide honor
Mark Lewis was given the Oshel Craigo Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2026 West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The accolade highlights sustained, career-long contributions to the state’s tourism industry. Lewis is scheduled to step down as president and CEO of the Parkersburg bureau on Nov. 1.
When Lewis’ name was called at the conference in Charleston, attendees rose in applause as he walked to the stage to accept the award. The presentation was made by Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger, reflecting recognition from the Department of Tourism as well as peers from around the state.
Roots in outdoor recreation
Lewis traces his start in the travel sector to 1981, when he worked as a whitewater rafting guide in Fayette County. That early immersion in outdoor recreation helped shape a career focused on promoting West Virginia’s natural and cultural assets. He took the top job at the Parkersburg visitors bureau in 2012 and has led the organization ever since.
Autumn Henthorn, interim president of the Parkersburg bureau, said the standing ovation was a meaningful acknowledgment of Lewis’ work and relationships across the tourism community.
"Seeing the entire room stand when Mark's name was announced was an incredible moment," Henthorn said.
Other statewide honors announced
Conference organizers also revealed winners of the 2026 Almost Heaven Achievement Awards, a set of recognitions spanning marketing, communications and special projects. Those listings showcase a cross-section of county and regional visitor bureaus that have pursued digital innovation, earned media and cooperative campaigns.
- Co-Op Campaign of the Year: Mon Forest Towns Partnership
- Digital Innovation Award: Visit Mercer County
- Earned Media Excellence: Jefferson County CVB
- Marketing & Advertising Campaign of the Year: Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
- Print Media Excellence: Marion County CVB
- Special Project of the Year: Mountaineer Gravel & Visit Mountaineer Country CVB
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Co-Op Campaign of the Year | Mon Forest Towns Partnership |
| Digital Innovation | Visit Mercer County |
| Earned Media | Jefferson County CVB |
| Marketing & Advertising Campaign | Visit Mountaineer Country CVB |
| Print Media Excellence | Marion County CVB |
| Special Project | Mountaineer Gravel & Visit Mountaineer Country CVB |
Local and regional impact
Parkersburg’s visitor bureau under Lewis has promoted the Mid-Ohio Valley as a destination for outdoor activities, river access and local events, an approach that mirrors broader statewide efforts to market West Virginia’s recreational offerings. His tenure has overlapped with industry shifts toward digital marketing, cooperative regional branding and an emphasis on experiential tourism.
For local businesses and attractions that rely on visitor traffic, continued leadership transitions at bureaus can alter promotional strategies and partnerships. The bureau’s interim leadership has signaled continuity while preparing for a permanent successor ahead of Lewis’ planned retirement in November.
Conference focus and next steps
The Governor’s Conference on Tourism serves as an annual forum for officials, marketers and industry stakeholders to exchange best practices and recognize notable campaigns. Awards like the Oshel Craigo honor serve both to mark individual achievement and to spotlight program models other communities might adopt.
As Parkersburg prepares for its change in leadership, local tourism partners will watch for announcements about the recruitment process and any strategic shifts. Meanwhile, Lewis’ award cements a legacy built over decades of promoting West Virginia as a destination for outdoor recreation and regional events.
This story will be updated if the Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau provides further details on the bureau’s leadership transition or on plans to build on the initiatives enacted during Lewis’ tenure.
