July August Chamber Magazine FINAL

Feature
Hedelt retiring as
City's Tourism Director
Her passion for
Old Town Fredericksburg
and it's beauty reflects
on her fulfilled
accomplishments.
By JAN ERKERT
After 35 years she is ready to “take it
easy” and try new things
Karen Hedelt is passionate about
the vibrancy of Old Town Fredericksburg.
It’s no surprise, considering
that she has spent the last 35 years
being intricately involved in its tourism
initiatives, and, more recently, its entire economic
development program.
And while Hedelt may be retiring as
Fredericksburg’s director of economic development
and tourism on July 31, her love
of this city will likely not diminish.
Ever articulate and professional in her
role as a representative of the city, she is also
known among her staff for her compassion
and thoughtfulness.
“Karen is an exacting boss, but she’s also an
encourager. She has allowed all of her staff to
start new programs and initiatives. She gives
us opportunities to grow, yet doesn’t micromanage,”
said Julie Perry, Fredericksburg’s visitor
center manager.
““Karen has dedicated her professional
life to the betterment of our community,
and we have all benefited from her
efforts. She will be greatly missed.
Bill Freehling, assistant director
for economic development.
“
“She is definitely the leader who takes responsibility
when things go wrong, but never
fails to share accolades when things go right,”
said Lura Hill, the city’s manager of tourism
sales.
Hedelt joined the city staff in 1981 as a
communication coordinator. In the ensuing
years she served as the department’s public relations
and marketing manager, acting director
and director of tourism. She was named
director of the Department of Economic Development
and Tourism in 2010.
While her job requires Hedelt to represent
the city on myriad commissions, task forces,
committees and boards, she is equally comfortable
behind the scenes of tourism and
economic development initiatives.
“She does a lot to support the smaller historic
sites and events,” said Hill.
For example, Hedelt initiated the city’s
special event review committee process that
helps event organizers—especially those who
are inexperienced in this arena—anticipate all
of the arrangements that go into a safe, successful
special event.
She also works well with other city departments
and is particularly admired by staff of
the city public works, fire and police departments
for delivering homemade cakes and
other treats to them as they work around the
clock during snowstorms and other weather
emergencies.
Under Hedelt’s watch, a much-needed
renovation of the Fredericksburg Visitor
Center was completed. Restaurant Week,
Ghost Tours, UMW Family Weekend and
UMW New Student Welcome were initiated.
She played a key role in bringing a hotel, the
JULY/AUGUST 2016 Fredericksburg Regional Business 9