H.A. Hang: Jennifer Boes, Executive Director of Wilmington's CVB

The coolest part of our business has always been our clients. We’re amazed by all they do: CEOs and business owners, world travelers, authors, inventors, healers, entrepreneurs, newscasters, artists, pro athletes, musicians, caretakers, and philanthropists. 

We launched this series to share the stories of our clients and form connections within the H.A. community. Enjoy!

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Home Appétit:  Where do you live?
Jen Boes: I live just outside of Wilmington with my dog, Bourbon. He’s a Vizsla.

Did you grow up in Delaware?
Yes. I’m from Georgetown, a town about 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach. I actually grew up on the University of Delaware’s research farm—my father was the farm manager there and we lived on the property.

How did you wind up at The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau? 
Right out of college, I worked for a PR firm called Bard Associates that specialized in restaurant PR. I loved that job—it exposed me to incredible food and wine. I eventually  joined the Delaware Tourism Office. That role allowed me to be closer to family while promoting my home state. I later moved to Maine, where I lived for 15 years, splitting my time between there and Lewes. I worked for Nancy Marshall Communications, a PR firm that represented the Maine Office of Tourism. I truly experienced every nook and cranny of the state.

In 2019, after my father passed away, I realized I wanted to spend more time with my family. I began looking for opportunities here and was thrilled to find an opening at the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tourism PR jobs don’t come along often. I landed the role, and when the executive director at the time, Sarah Willoughby retired, I was selected as executive director. I love my job and my team.

What upcoming programs or initiatives are you most excited about?
The semiquincentennial is at the top of the list! Delaware separated from Britain more than two weeks before the Declaration of Independence was signed—and separated from Pennsylvania at the same time. We have fascinating Revolutionary War history and our proximity to Philly makes that even more special.

I’m also excited about the World Cup. Because Greater Wilmington is so close to Philadelphia, we expect visitors to stay here and take SEPTA or Amtrak into the city for games. There’s even a chance that one of the teams could stay in Wilmington—fingers crossed!

What is your favorite part of being involved with the CVB?
Working with tourism partners throughout the state. We recently partnered with the Delaware Tourism Office on an incredible video project highlighting our dining scene and we’re collaborating with them on a New Castle County–focused sports tourism campaign as well. We meet monthly with the Delaware CVB directors. Because Delaware is so small, collaboration comes naturally.

I also love promoting greater Wilmington. Many people, even those in Philadelphia, don’t realize how much we offer—from our riverfront and performing arts scene to amazing restaurants and the du Pont estates and gardens. Then there are hidden gems like Historic New Castle, the Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar and the Marshall Steam Museum. It’s literally our mission to spread the word.

What do you wish people knew about Wilmington that they don’t?
How far the city has come in the last ten years. Downtown is thriving, the performing arts scene is vibrant and diverse, and the dining scene is on fire. Anyone who hasn’t visited in a while would be surprised by how great it looks, how energetic it feels, and how much there is to see and do—and there’s even more coming.

Delaware’s most famous exports are arguably the Bidens and Aubrey Plaza—have you met them?
I’ve never met Aubrey Plaza, but I did meet Joe Biden when I was a little girl. Growing up on the University of Delaware’s research farm, we hosted an annual event called Farm, Home and Field Day. All the politicians attended. Then-Senator Biden knocked on our door and asked to use our restroom—presumably to avoid the port-o-potties set up for the event. Of course, my mother said yes!

What are some of your favorite local businesses and organizations?
The Delaware Symphony Orchestra is a fantastic organization with an incredible team. Their new music director, Michelle Di Russo, is amazing to watch while conducting. I’m a huge animal lover, especially when it comes to dogs and the Brandywine Valley SPCA is an impactful organization. I’ve volunteered there in the past and support them whenever I can. Janssen’s Market is a family-owned gourmet grocery store that’s perfect for specialty food items. It was my go-to when I first learned to cook and I still love browsing their unique ingredients. White Clay Creek State Park is my favorite of our state parks. It’s incredibly peaceful and I especially enjoy hiking there in the winter when it’s easier to spot wildlife.

Learn more about GWCVB and find out about great events and happenings to add to your calendar here.