The Anguilla Tourist Board has welcomed two new appointees – Melisha Maccow-Niles as chair and Calla Gumbs as a board member.
The appointments were made by Minister of Tourism Haydn Hughes, according to a government press release on 30 October.
Maccow-Niles will lead the six-member board of directors in overseeing the global operations of the Anguilla Tourist Board across all source markets.
Minister Hughes described Maccow-Niles as the “ideal candidate” for chairperson, based on her years of service on the board of directors and her extensive private sector tourism experience.
He highlighted her ability to lead initiatives that enhance Anguilla’s market reach and innovation, and said she will drive the marketing strategies “that will secure the future of our industry”.
Director of Tourism, Stacey Liburd, said she is looking forward to continuing to work with Maccow-Niles in her new capacity.
“She has been an exceptionally influential and supportive member of the board, and the organisation has benefitted tremendously under her guidance and direction,” she said.
The tourism director also extended a warm welcome to Gumbs, adding: “I look forward to working closely with her during her tenure.”
New chair
Maccow-Niles’ extensive journey in tourism began in 2001 in Frangipani Beach Club’s accounts department.
She went on to work at the Malliouhana Hotel and Cap Juluca in their guest services divisions, followed by a four-year stint in front office management at the Viceroy Hotel.
She continued working at the resort for another four years as resort assistant manager and then conference services manager and wedding specialist, while it transitioned to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences.
She most recently served as front of house manager at Aurora Anguilla Resort and Golf Club, and today owns Exclusive Events Wedding Planning Services and the Juice Bar Anguilla.
Maccow-Niles, who has served on the Anguilla Tourist Board’s board of directors since June 2020, said she is delighted to take on this new responsibility
“I do believe that my experience as a board member has given me a great appreciation for and understanding of the work of the organisation,” she said.
Maccow-Niles thanked former chair Kenroy Herbert who completed his term of office on 30 September and returned to the private sector.
She said he “guided us successfully through the uncharted waters of the pandemic recovery,” adding: “Our industry is stronger and more resilient because of his leadership.”
Board member
Gumbs, director of people and culture at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, brings a wealth of human resources expertise to the role.
As division head, she oversees benefits administration, employee relations, recruitment and selection, relocation and immigration, employee communications, performance management, and more.
She said it is an honour to serve on Anguilla Tourist Board’s board of directors and have the opportunity to contribute to the “invaluable organisation”.
Gumbs has a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management at the University of Leeds in the UK, and a Bachelor of Business Administration at Berkley College in the USA.
Anguilla Tourist Board’s board of directors is responsible for strategically managing Anguilla’s promotional, sales and marketing initiatives both on island and overseas.
Its aim is to expand tourism arrivals while optimising the industry’s benefits for Anguilla’s residents.
