(Snow Hill, Md) - Worcester County Commissioners have announced that Tourism Director Lisa Challenger was appointed to the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) by Governor Larry Hogan and confirmed by the Maryland Senate. Challenger was selected for her tourism expertise.
The MHAA governs the Maryland Heritage Areas program and is housed within the Maryland Department of Planning. MHAA provides targeted financial and technical assistance within thirteen locally designated Heritage Areas, each of which has a distinct focus or theme that represents a unique aspect of Maryland's character. Together, MHAA, the Heritage Areas and local partners support the economic well-being of Maryland's communities by promoting, sustaining and creating place-based experiences for visitors and residents alike. MHAA members are committed to effectively measuring program performance through annual evaluation of Heritage Area management entity effectiveness and overall program impact in accordance with recommendations in the Authority's strategic plan.
Challenger was instrumental in developing the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Area management plan and helping to acquire the state certification necessary for state funding.
"We are extremely pleased that Director Challenger was named to the MHAA," Commission President Jim Bunting said. "Her leadership, her promotion of heritage tourism and her partnership building attitude make her a true asset to Worcester County and the entire state."