For more than two decades, the William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award has honored those who have made a significant contribution to the tourism sector in Asheville and Buncombe County and who have provided exceptional leadership in making the community a special place to live and visit.
Created in 1999 as a tribute to the late William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, owner of The Biltmore Company and a champion of the Biltmore Estate’s preservation and success, the award honors the leadership, creativity and commitment of the people who have made it their mission to help guide the tourism sector in Buncombe County.
Recipients of the William A.V. Cecil Award
2023:Matthew Bacoate
2022:Wilma Dykeman (posthumously)
2021: Bhagwanji “Bob” Patel – Virtelle Hospitality, President Emeritus
2020: AIR – Asheville Independent Restaurant Association
2019: Dick Trammel | Tourism pioneer; helped lay the foundation for the growth of the visitor economy
2018: John Ellis | Diana Wortham Theater, retired executive director
2016: Gary Everhardt | Blue Ridge Parkway, former Superintendent
2015: Karen Cragnolin | RiverLink
2014: Pat Whalen | Public Interest Projects
2013: Becky Anderson | Former HandMade in America, Economic Developer, Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Chair
2012: Steve Hill | Thomas Wolfe Memorial
2011: Oscar Wong | Microbrew pioneer, Highland Brewing
2010: Mark Rosenstein | Early advocate of farm-table, Marketplace Restaurant
2009: Senator Martin Nesbitt | NC Senate & sponsor of room tax bill
2008: Lloyd & Leone Kirk | Longtime lodging advocates, Forest Manor Inn
2007: Todd Morse | Chimney Rock Park
2006: Hugh Morton | Grandfather Mountain (posthumously)
2005: John Cram | Blue Spiral & downtown visionary
2004: Ralph Young | Young Transportation
2003: Mary Jaeger Gale | Chimney Rock Park
2002: Craig Madison | Alpha Group & Grove Park Inn
2001: Steve Miller | Biltmore Estate
2000: John Winkenwerder | Hampton Inns
1999:Bobbie Cannon | Mountain Meadows Publications