Liz Fitzsimmons Named Managing Director of Tourism Film and the Arts at Maryland Commerce

Cynthia Miller joins Maryland Office of Tourism as Director of Strategic Partnerships

BALTIMORE, MD (June 1, 2016) – Liz Fitzsimmons, a destination marketing professional with more than 20 years’ experience, has been named managing director of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within Maryland Commerce. Ms. Fitzsimmons most recently served as the director of the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and, in her new role, will continue to promote Maryland’s quality of life, unique geography and rich history and culture by overseeing the activities of the Office of Tourism Development, the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Film Office.

In addition, Cynthia Miller has joined the Maryland Office of Tourism Development as director of strategic partnerships. A marketing, communications and media production professional, Ms. Miller will develop strategic alliances and partnerships, as well as a competitive marketing strategy, to position Maryland as a desirable and successful destination for visitors.

“Liz’s many years of marketing experience combined with her in-depth knowledge of our quality of life assets make her a natural to promote Maryland as a tourism destination, as well as grow the arts and position our state as a great location for films and TV series,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “It’s also very exciting to have someone of Cynthia Miller’s caliber, with her many years working with Fortune 100 companies, join our team and work to enhance the visitor experience in Maryland.”

Moving from Texas, Ms. Fitzsimmons joined the Maryland Office of Tourism in 1993 as a public relations coordinator and has worked throughout her career to attract visitors to Maryland through a variety of marketing platforms. In 1999, Ms. Fitzsimmons was named director of marketing and communications for the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, a role she held until she was promoted to oversee the Office of Tourism Development in 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree in radio and TV/mass communications from Southern Illinois University and lives in Howard County with her husband and son.

“Being able to work with Maryland’s abundant tourism sites and attractions, highlight our diverse arts community, and promote Maryland as an excellent location for film and TV projects is an honor,” said Ms. Fitzsimmons. “These industries are critical to our state’s economy and enhance the quality of life for all Maryland citizens. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with all of our partners and stakeholders to grow tourism, film and the arts in Maryland.”

Ms. Miller was most recently president of Miller.Omni.Media, Inc., which provides global strategic communications, marketing and media production campaigns for Fortune 100 companies, organizations and government. Ms. Miller also served as senior director of creative services and media production at Marriott International and held a number of positions at Walt Disney World, including manager of Disney i.d.e.a.s at Disney’s MGM Studios and manager of broadband, enhanced TV and new technology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Towson University and a master’s of business administration in management from Mount Saint Mary’s College. She is currently a member of Rotary International, serves on the board of directors for Goodwill of Monocacy Valley, is a member and past board member of the DC chapter of Women in Film and Video and was a commissioner for the Frederick County Commission for Women. She currently lives in Frederick County.

“I am honored to join Maryland Commerce in a role where I can use my private sector experience to the benefit of our visitors, businesses and citizens,” said Ms. Miller.
 
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.