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Dream Big Greenville Hires Patti McAbee as President and CEO

Submitted by: Katherine Smoak Davis on Oct 21, 2011 at 4:39 pm Tagged with: Blue Wall Center, Dream Big Greenville, Economic Development, Greenville, Hospitality and Tourism, Patti McAbee, Reedy Square, SC, SCPRT, Swamp Rabbit Trail, Tourism, upstate Source: Smoak Public Relations

Dream Big Greenville, founded in 2007 to promote the Upstate as a world-class destination, has hired Patti McAbee as President and CEO to spearhead the vision for the area’s next keystone developments – Reedy Square and the Blue Wall Center.

A proven fundraising professional and dedicated community advocate, Patti most recently provided fundraising counsel for the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center – raising over $60 million in private and Kroc Bequest funds. She has been honored by the State as an Order of the Palmetto recipient, and became the first female member of the Clemson Board of Trustees in 1993.

“Patti brings us over 25 years of experience in executive management, fundraising, strategic planning, and accountability,” according to Paul Wickensimer, Chair of the Dream Big Greenville Board. “McAbee was selected for her vision and leadership following a national search, and will champion the success of Dream Big Greenville as we complete fundraising for Reedy Square and set long-term foundations for the Blue Wall Center.”

Conceived following the outcomes of a strategic tourism development plan for the state and region, the focus of Dream Big Greenville is to better position the Upstate as a vibrant, world-class destination while creating economic opportunity through tourism.

Aspirational in both concept and design, Reedy Square and the Blue Wall Center will showcase the best of the Upstate for both visitors and our community. Envisioned as the heartbeat of our region, these iconic projects will provide a dynamic, interactive venue to connect and experience the diverse natural and cultural assets of the Upstate.

Designed by renowned architect and recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship, Jeanne Gang, Reedy Square celebrates the natural beauty and rich culture that surrounds our community. Inspired by boulders and cascading rock formations, Reedy Square becomes both emblematic and interactive – encouraging guests to explore, climb, and enjoy their environment.

When constructed, Reedy Square will be a true gateway for all those looking to engage and immerse themselves within the treasures that make the Upstate a great place to live, work, and play.

For more information on Dream Big Greenville and Reedy Square, please visit www.DreamBigGreenville.com.