BUCKS COUNTY, PA (March 25, 2019) — The Visit Bucks County Board of Directors announced today that Jerry Lepping, President/COO of Visit Bucks County (VBC), will retire from his leadership role.
Lepping will continue as President/COO through June 30, with current Vice President, Paul Bencivengo assuming the role of President/COO on July 1. Lepping will then serve as an advisor to the organization through November 2019.
“Jerry has been a Bucks County resident for more than 40 years and served the tourism and hospitality industry for more than two decades,” said Visit Bucks County Board Chairperson Bill Haas, “His commitment and dedication to Bucks County and the tourism office are unmatched. The Board of Directors are grateful for his years of service to the entire Bucks County hospitality industry.”
From 1998-2007, Lepping served two terms as Board President, playing a major role in the building of the Bucks County Visitor Center in Bensalem. In 2007, he assumed the role of VBC President/COO. One of Jerry’s first major initiatives, in conjunction with the County of Bucks, was the implementation of the Visit Bucks County Grant Program. Since inception, VBC has granted more than $4.1 million to more than 100 organizations. Also, during Jerry’s tenure the Bucks County Sports Commission was created to help support the hosting of sports tournaments in Bucks County.
“On behalf of the Bucks County Commissioners, I would like to thank Jerry for his leadership and significant contributions to Bucks County. Tourism is an invaluable part of our economy generating nearly $1 billion in economic impact throughout all of Bucks County. The hospitality industry makes our County a great place to live, work and visit,” said County Commissioner Chair Robert G. Loughery. “Jerry has assembled one of the best teams in the industry. Together they have successfully driven local impact through job growth and tourism development by effectively marketing the area as a must-see destination.”
A veteran and resident of Bucks County, Lepping’s career background is diverse and impressive. He grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and graduated from Father Judge High School, later attending LaSalle College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent three years in the Military Police and was a Judo and hand-to-hand combat instructor. Jerry went on to manage the Face-Off Circle, and owned several hospitality-related businesses, including the Anchor Inn, Clubhouse Bar & Grill and a local travel agency. Lepping was also a referee for more than 200 college football games.
He has held several leadership positions in the tourism and hospitality industry over the years. Jerry, along with his wife Marie, have seen the world as he served as Chairman of the Chapter Presidents of the American Society of Travel Agents’ International Board of Directors, as well as the Delaware Valley Chapter President. He has also served on the board of directors for the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park and TMA Bucks.
“This role has allowed me to engage with some of the most impressive business leaders in the region, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to support them,” said Lepping. “I’ve witnessed tremendous growth in Bucks County over these past 12 years and I’m confident that under the leadership of Paul Bencivengo, this organization is positioned for continued success in the future.”
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VBC Announces Leadership Transition as President/COO, Jerry Lepping, Plans for Retirement
March 25, 2019 by Alexa Johnson, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager