Nancy Helman, a member of the Hampton Roads Sports Commission Board of Directors, has assumed the role of Acting Director of the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau as of Nov. 30. A 25-year veteran of the tourism industry, Helman has led one of the nation’s top sports marketing programs that has put Virginia Beach on the map as one of the best managed destinations for sports clients and participants. She has served thousands of event owners and proudly touts her favorite experience as creating memories for the athletes, families and fans that come to Virginia Beach year after year.

Helman helped start the Virginia Beach Sports Marketing program in 1999 and since that time, she and her team are credited with bringing more than 1.7 million hotel rooms nights and creating lasting economic impact. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in sports administration from the University of South Carolina and obtained the Certified Sports Event Executive professional designation from the Sports Events and Tourism Association (CSEE).