091: A Career with the Air Force, CPAs, and Tourism – Bill Heath, CPA

In this episode of Life In Accounting: The Where Accountants Go podcast, we speak with retired Air Force Pilot, Bill Heath, a CPA who is the current Vice President of Finance, Human Resources & Administration with the Fredericksburg Conventions and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Bill’s background is quite varied which you will hear all about in this podcast. This is also an excellent episode for those looking to learn more about the tourism industry!

Benefits of Working in a Small Town

While Fredericksburg generally doesn’t do large conventions, they do host military reunions, large meetings, and many other convention-type events. As a Convention and Visitors Bureau employee, Bill gets to travel to larger, intercontinental cities because tourism is important. He also has the pleasure of working with positive, loyal, and creative people.

Bill’s role includes planning, directing, and integrating all aspects of financial, technology, human resource and administrative functions. He also oversees the CVB facilities and Visitor Information Center, and he partners with several other organizations including the local Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Commission, industry, and City and County governments to promote tourism and economic growth in the Fredericksburg and Gillespie County areas.

Bonus: Bill loves his three-minute commute to the office. It’s hard to beat that!

Seven Life Lessons Bill Shares

Work hard as a student.

Be focused on what you are doing.

Become less intense.

Accept leadership positions within the community.

Be involved and contribute to the community.

Take risks.

Be excited, get excited, and stay excited!

To listen in on this interview with Bill Heath, please use the player below: