Economic development office names interim executive

FORT MYERS — Lee County officials named Pamela Johnson, deputy director of Lee County's Visitor & Convention Bureau, interim director of the county's Economic Development Office.

The appointment was effective as of Monday, according to a statement. She replaces John Boland, who held the post for two years. Boland will be available to consult with Johnson during the transition, while he works on a special assignment relating to the county's management of its real property assets, the statement adds.

“As a passionate believer in Lee County and everything our exceptional community has to offer, I'm honored to be able to step into this new role,” Johnson says in the statement. “I look forward to working collaboratively with businesses and community leaders to contribute to the area's economic vitality.”

Johnson has worked in Lee County's Visitor & Convention Bureau for 22 years. She's been deputy director since 2014, where she has overseen domestic and international travel trade sales and marketing; air service development; the Guests First program; and other areas of bureau operations and management. “Pamela's experience will enhance the collaboration with the Economic Development Office to work toward a joint tourism and business destination brand,” Assistant County Manager Glen Salyer says in the statement.

Boland says he appreciated the opportunity at the Lee County EDO for the past two years. “During this period, we've learned a lot about what makes our local businesses successful here,” Boland says in the statement. “It's been a busy two years, and the time is right to forge a stronger partnership with the VCB. I'm excited that Pam has accepted that challenge.”