Diana Pfaff
dpfaff@irvingtexas.com
972-252-7476 or 800-247-8464

IRVING, Texas (March 26, 2008) - Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB) national sales manager Katherine DiPietro was recently named by General James T. Conway, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, to the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Quality Citizen Recognition Program. DiPietro has provided meeting and event assistance to several Marine district offices for more than seven years.

"Mrs. DiPietro was selected for the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Quality Citizen Recognition Program to honor her heartfelt efforts and tremendous service she provides to the Marines and their families in the Dallas area," said Colonel Mark Toal, who presented DiPietro with the award and a personal letter from General Conway at a recent ICVB board of directors meeting. Colonel Toal and Sergeant Major Daniel Huff, both with the 8th Marine Corp District, nominated DiPietro for the Recognition Program.

DiPietro, an Irving resident and 15-year hospitality industry veteran, is responsible for selling Irving and its hotel properties as a meeting and event destination to SMERF (social, military, education, religious and fraternal) groups. She also serves as the bureau's chief liaison to the tourism market segment. "Katherine's attitude to go above-and-beyond for her clients is unmatched," said Maura Allen Gast, ICVB executive director. "It's no surprise that a good deal of our repeat business comes from her market."

Prior to joining the ICVB, DiPietro held similar positions with the Omni Mandalay Hotel, Dallas Marriott Las Colinas and Snowboard Resort in Salt Lake City. She was named ICVB Sales Manager of the Year for 2006-2007, and in January was recognized by Irving Mayor Herbert Gears for her efforts in coordinating a holiday dinner to hundreds of American troops traveling through DFW Airport on Christmas day.