Name: Ann Marie Maher
Title: President/CEO
Company, city: Discover Prince William & Manassas; Manassas, Va.
Number of employees: 10
Recent project: Partnering with three neighboring counties in Virginia to create an experiential artisan trail to promote agritourism, the arts, and our many craft breweries, wineries and distilleries
First job: Burger King drive-thru
Little-known fact about you: I’m an avid scuba diver, with more than 100 dives logged, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Belize, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Jamaica and The Bahamas.
YOUR BUSINESS
Essential business philosophy: Our mission is to delight customers and visitors every day. We collaborate with tourism partners and businesses of all sizes to develop our destination and deliver memorable experiences.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: I encourage my team to pursue opportunities others might overlook, to work with vendors for customized solutions rather than off-the-shelf options, and to leverage unique selling points that distinguish our destination.
Yardstick of success: When roads are full for an event, restaurants and shops are bustling, and hotels are at capacity, I know we’ve succeeded in promoting our region.
Ann Marie Maher as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? My two kids — they mean the world to me, and I travel with them whenever possible.
How do you spend your time on board? I like to unplug and, once I arrive, immerse myself in nature. I love hiking and exploring new sites, and above all I enjoy discovering more of Virginia.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? La Caille, a setting that evokes an 18th-century French countryside chateau on 20 acres near Little Cottonwood Canyon outside Salt Lake City. The menu blends farm-to-table ingredients with classic French techniques; the service and atmosphere are exceptional. Favorites include escargot, lobster bisque, rack of lamb and bananas foster.
What is your favorite destination in the world? I have to be a little selfish and say Prince William & Manassas, Va. Our region offers a rich mix of history, culture and scenic countryside combined with close proximity to Washington, D.C.
About Prince William & Manassas
Prince William & Manassas has a rich history. Tell our readers about some of the area’s historical sites.
Manassas National Battlefield Park, one of two national parks in the region, preserves the sites of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run and the pivotal clashes between Union and Confederate forces. The area also features several historic small towns with roots stretching back centuries, each contributing to the story of our nation.
What does Prince William & Manassas offer travelers?
Located about 30 miles from Washington, D.C., our region blends cultural attractions and history with recreational options. Visitors can enjoy historic downtowns in Manassas and Occoquan, explore Civil War battlefields, shop at major retail destinations such as Potomac Mills and Virginia Gateway, attend concerts at a 25,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, or sample offerings from a growing craft beer and culinary scene. There is truly something for every type of traveler.
What’s new for the area in 2017?
In early 2017 we welcomed Northern Virginia’s only Cabela’s, reinforcing our reputation as an outdoor recreation hub. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of the National Museum of the Marine Corps will soon be complete, further enhancing the region’s cultural and educational attractions.