Kolby Gayson is the Marketing & Communications Director for Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has worked in Florida tourism for seven years receiving her start with Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, leading them through a major rebrand to the brand identity they have today. Originally a North Carolina native, she moved to Florida in 2012 to work for local Tampa Bay television station, ABC Action News on the assignment desk. There she learned the importance of storytelling and the impact that can have on a community. She has seen first hand the importance of community stewardship following the rebrand in Pasco and continues to believe that the work of a DMO or CVB is only as good as the support of area industry partners and community members.