AC Marketing Manager To Run Welcome America

By David Madden

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., (CBS) -- More appointments have been announced by Philadelphia Mayor-Elect Jim Kenney, including a new head for the Welcome America campaign.

A local marketing expert is coming home.

Jeff Guaracino is trading in his post as Executive Director of the Atlantic City Alliance for a chance to run the 4th of July party in Philadelphia.  His soon-to-be boss has issued him a challenge.

"Mayor-elect Kenney has charged Welcome America, Inc. to expand its mission and focus to producing and supporting and identifying new city-wide events to boost tourism and to provide additional amenities for residents," Guaracino told KYW Newsradio.

Guaracino, who was a part of the marketing effort for Philadelphia tourism prior to taking the Atlantic City position, also likes the challenge of tying in Welcome America with the Democratic National Convention to be held in late July. He'll take over next month at Welcome America.

Kenney is also appointing Stephanie Walters as his digital director. She ran digital operations during the campaign. And Lauren Hitt will move from communications director in the campaign to the same role in the administration.