Amy Pack will become executive director of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Authority in July.Butler Eagle file photo
new leadership
After working together for more than a decade, Amy Pack and Jack Cohen have learned that their vision for Butler County is the same.
“Jack is always looking ahead and thinking big,” Pack said. “He’s always looking for bigger and better things, and I’ll continue to do that. Moving forward with a fresh new perspective and the best interests of our members is always our top priority.”
Pack, who has served as the agency’s director of tourism development for the past 12 years, is preparing to become executive director when Cohen retires in July. As she prepares for the next step in her career, Pack reflects on how Cohen supported and prepared her for this role.
“My new role at the Bureau is the culmination of my entire career,” she said.
Puck worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years before joining the Butler County Tourism and Convention Authority. Over the years, she has watched the office grow.
“When I started there were six people. Now the team is 15 people,” Pack said. “Our team has expanded to meet the growing demand for tourism in Butler County.”
Pack said that from day one on the job, Cohen encouraged him to be actively involved in the community.
“He’s been a great mentor and has given me hands-on guidance from the day I got here,” Pack said. “I was exposed to a lot of things right away and learned quickly.”
Over the years, Mr. Cohen’s support has enabled Puck’s sales team to expand its reach across geographies.
“We traveled to places we’d never been before. We went to international tourism conventions and things like that,” Pack said.
The station has joined PA Sports, allowing staff to meet directly with sports planners across the country. The department is also working to attract new business to Butler County through tourism partnerships with VisitPittsburgh and Pittsburgh International Airport.
Pack said he looks forward to building on the foundation laid by Cohen.
Regarding the future of the tourism industry, Mr. Pack said, “We want to respond to the changing times.” “We embrace technology that meets the needs of our consumers while retaining as much of a personal touch as possible. We are in the people’s business.”
During his previous employment, Pack created economic impact reports on events in Butler County and educated others about the power of tourism.
“We’re going to continue to do what’s already working well,” Pack said. “I continue to look for great opportunities and new events for Butler County.”
Pack said the character of the people who live and work in the county was the foundation for this success.
“Butler County continues to shine and outperform other destinations, and it’s because of our people,” Pack said. “We all have a common goal: to be a great place for recreation, business, sports and more.”
The pack aims to continue highlighting Butler County’s diversity.
“Our community is diverse in what we offer and welcomes everyone,” she said. “There are new experiences and friendly faces around every corner.”
Casey Hoolahan is the public relations and communications coordinator for the Butler County Tourism and Convention Authority.
