Note to Editors: A photo of Mr. Ward is available by request at Jim.Carroll@ky.gov

         FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 13, 2004) --  A veteran hotel developer and manager has been named commissioner of the state Department of Parks, Commerce Secretary W. James Host announced today.

    George Ward of Lexington was co-founder of H&W Management Co., a regional hotel development and management firm that started in 1985 and has built, owned, and/or operated more than 30 hotels, mostly in smaller Kentucky communities. Ward oversaw human resources, marketing, financial management and day-to-day operations for the firm. He is no longer associated with the firm.

       “Mr. Ward has an ideal background to provide strong leadership to the Department of Parks,” Host said. “I will look for him to develop and implement strategies for improving our park system while ultimately making it self-sufficient. I’m especially interested in tapping into his marketing expertise in our revenue-producing areas such as golf courses.”

     “I’m excited about the opportunity to serve in Governor Fletcher’s administration,” Ward said. “A visit to one of our parks is often the first impression that a traveler forms of Kentucky. I am eager to take on the challenge of ensuring that this first impression is memorable and positive, and that it results in return business.” 

    Among Ward’s marketing initiatives at H&W Management is “BogeyNights,” a              branded  golf package that enables a hotel situated in the vicinity of a golf course to market itself as a golf destination. The concept brings together overnight accommodations, a continental breakfast, welcome gift and a choice of playing several area golf courses in a mid-priced package.

      A native of East Syracuse, NY, Ward began his hotel career at age 16 and holds a degree from the prestigious Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. He has held leadership positions with the Kentucky and American hotel and lodging associations, the International Association of Holiday Inns, and the Kentucky Tourism Council. 

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $230 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.kystateparks.ky.gov