TOLEDO, Ohio — Destination Toledo's president and CEO was awarded the Ohio travel industry's highest honor by the Ohio Travel Association.
Lance Woodworth was awarded the 2024 Paul Sherlock Legend in Ohio Travel Award at the opening reception of the Ohio Travel Association's Conference on Travel which is being held in Toledo.
“We are so proud to acknowledge Lance Woodworth with this prestigious award,” Melinda Huntley, executive director of Ohio Travel Association said. “He’s a steadfast advocate and enthusiastic supporter of Toledo, and travel and tourism throughout Ohio. Lance knows the power of this industry and believes in its success.”
Destination Toledo said Woodworth, a northwest Ohio native and Bowling Green State University Graduate, has spent more than two decades of service to Ohio's travel and tourism industry. He joined Destination Toledo in 2018 after nearly 15 years with The Jet Express.
According to Destination Toledo, Woodworth played an "instrumental" role in the 2021 Solheim Cup, securing $2 million in grant funding for the women's golf spectacle. He's also credited for his work on the 419 Ale Trail and leads the Trails and Tales Committee for America-250 Ohio, The Ohio Commission for the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
"Woodworth is a dedicated champion of the travel industry at the local, regional, and state levels with extensive involvement on many industry boards and committees," Destination Toledo said in a press release.
The organization said Woodworth currently holds positions on the boards of Ohio Travel Association, Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Ohio Society of Association Professionals and more.
According to Destination Toledo, Woodworth was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to the TourismOhio Advisory Board in 2023.