Executive Profile
Name: Denise Humphrey
Title: Senior Sales Manager
Organization: Discover Green Bay
Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Birthplace: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Education: B.A. in Communication, University of Wisconsin Green Bay, 2007
Career History: Discover Green Bay, 2008-present
There’s something special about people like Denise Humphrey of Discover Green Bay who champion their hometowns. She grew up in Green Bay, went to the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and, shortly after graduating with a degree in communications, joined the team at the city’s convention and visitors bureau, where she has been ever since.
“I honestly didn’t really know what a convention and visitors bureau was — I had traveled before, but it wasn’t anything I had really utilized before,” said Humphrey. “When I interviewed and got hired, I realized all the fun that working in hospitality and tourism can be, and it ended up being a great fit for me.”
Humphrey loved planning events and discovered she could combine her natural trait of being a people person with planning travel by working in destination sales — all skills she had refined during her university studies in communications.
One of the things she loves most about her job is that there’s always variety to what she’s doing. “No day is ever the same,” she said. “I’m often working with new people, taking people on familiarization tours, or writing emails to contacts to help coordinate and plan their events. I love traveling to experience other destinations and meeting people at conferences. Having things be different all the time makes it fun.”
One of Humphrey’s passions is helping locals discover the great things Green Bay has for them right in their own backyard. She says tourism is such a layered industry that most people don’t realize how many workers have a hand in it, whether directly or indirectly. Hotels, restaurants and attractions affect the city as a whole, and Humphry is trying to educate the public about what her office does to serve the community.
She also encourages meeting attendees to experience the best things the city has to offer beyond their hotels and conference venues, whether that’s visiting a space nearby that has a rooftop bar or checking out a museum. Humphrey’s goal is to give attendees something memorable they want to come back for.
“My favorite thing about my job is talking with people, building relationships, and helping people plan their meetings and events, not sitting behind a desk,” she said. “I was one of the lucky ones who joined the CVB shortly after college, and I get to be a ‘lifer.’ I just love my job here.”
Tips from Denise Humphrey
• Every day offers a new opportunity to learn and develop as an individual and employee — embrace it.
• Think outside the box. There are job opportunities in all industries — you may be surprised where you end up.
• Volunteer with organizations that matter to you. You’ll meet like-minded individuals and maybe find a new industry or career path as well.
