Barry White has been with the Augusta CVB for over 25 years, and has led the organization through substantial growth, beginning with transitioning the organization from a public entity to a private non-profit corporation. Through Barry’s leadership, the city has enjoyed consistent year-over-year growth in annual gross hotel revenue and related taxes, even through the recession. Another major milestone for Barry and the CVB included successfully spearheading the effort for an expansion of the city’s convention center.

The Augusta CVB was one of the first in the country to seriously focus on destination development, establishing a VP level staff position in 2010. This effort has resulted in collaborative partnerships and significant public and private investment in wayfinding signage and gateway beautification projects. Most recently, under Barry’s leadership, the Augusta CVB unveiled Destination Blueprint, which includes tourism and lifestyle products and experiences that appeal to target visitor audiences and residents alike. 

Barry has served in many leadership roles including: chair of the Georgia Association of CVBs, a founding member of the Tourism Development Alliance of Georgia, and the only CVB executive to chair the Georgia Society of Association Executives. He has also served on the boards of the Southeast Tourism Society and the US Travel Association’s National Council of Destination Organizations. Barry is a graduate of Leadership Georgia and Leadership Augusta and currently serves on the Leadership Augusta board of directors. 

Barry recently received Leadership Awards from the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division, the Georgia Society of Association Executives, and Leadership Augusta. Barry received Destinations International's Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation and serves as the chair of Destinations International's professional development committee. 

A graduate of the University of Tennessee and native of the state, Barry enjoys traveling, snow skiing, adventure motorcycling, and the occasional sip of whiskey.