CVB dismisses ‘overqualified’ Goodspeed

The Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau eliminated the position of chief communication officer this week, dismissing Nancy Goodspeed, who’s held that job for two and a half years.

Goodspeed is well-known in the business community, having worked in public relations for numerous Spokane companies, including World Wide Packets, Avista Corp. and The Rockey Co.

“I have never been so bowled over in my life,” Goodspeed said. “John (Brewer, president of the CVB) walked in my office and shut the door and said ‘I’ve decided to eliminate your position.’ “

Goodspeed said she was shocked because her last two performance evaluations were “top of the line,” and she has received only encouragement from Brewer.

Brewer acknowledged that Goodspeed has strong skills. In fact, he said, they’re too good. He plans to replace her with an entry-level person who will focus solely on marketing Spokane to visitors and companies.

“I think she’s overqualified,” Brewer said. “I have tremendous respect for Nancy and her skills.”

However, he said, Goodspeed was a senior-level manager, doing an administrative job. The focus of the position will change, he said, from marketing the CVB within the community and to state legislators to promoting Spokane to visitors.

The decision was not monetary, Brewer said. In fact, the CVB’s annual budget, now about $1.4 million, stands to double as Tourism Promotion Area funds continue to roll in, Goodspeed said. The TPA fee, approved by the Legislature in 2003, allows for a small boost in the price of hotel rooms. That money is then used to increase marketing of the region.

“It’s been a significant evolution of the CVB,” Brewer said. “As we look at our needs into the future, it needs to be much more focused on generating room nights and economic development. Brewer said the CVB is likely to hire additional entry-level employees for sales and marketing positions.

Goodspeed, who has almost 30 years experience in media and public relations work, said she’s confident she’ll find something. Her resume went out immediately via email to a portion of her extensive contact list.

“You go over the bumps in life and you’re constantly moving forward,” Goodspeed said. “Hopefully that makes you a stronger person.”