Henry Tessman appointed to Chair of Visit North Central Massachusetts Board of Directors

Tessman brings hospitality leadership, experience to board

Henry Tessman, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge New England, was recently elected Chair of the Board of Directors for Visit North Central Massachusetts.

A strong champion of the region’s economic development efforts, Tessman will work with the Visit North Central Massachusetts board, staff, membership and other stakeholders to champion the organization in its mission to market the region as a destination. He succeeds Al Rose, owner of Red Apple Farm, who moves to the position of Immediate Past Chair.

Tessman began working at Great Wolf Lodge New England in 2014. In addition to managing more than 700 employees, Tessman oversees all operations, including an indoor waterpark, several restaurants and more than 400 guest rooms.

A 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, he previously served in management positions with various hotel companies, including Marriott, Wyndham, Hilton and boutique properties. He earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Johnson & Wales University.

In addition to his involvement with Visit North Central Massachusetts, Tessman also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, ARC of Opportunity, and the Mount Wachusett Community College Foundation.

“Henry has proven himself to be a great leader and advocate for our cooperative marketing efforts to grow the visitor economy in North Central Massachusetts,” said Roy Nascimento, president of Visit North Central Massachusetts. “He will lead our organization through the recommendations of the recently published Regional Economic Development Plan as we look for opportunities to expand tourism in North Central Massachusetts.”

“It is an honor and privilege to be elected chair of Visit North Central Massachusetts, an organization with an important role in promoting North Central Massachusetts as a unique destination for individuals and families,” said Tessman. “I look forward to continuing the efforts of our immediate past chair to establish the region as a premier destination for visitors and groups.”

In the same election, Chris Stimpson, public relations manager at Wachusett Mountain, was elected to fill an open seat on the Board.