The Oxford Tourism Council announced a change in leadership on Monday.

Kinney Ferris was promoted from deputy director to director, effective Friday. The promotion comes after the Tourism Council accepted the resignation of current director, Mary Allyn Hedges, during its October board meeting.

Hedges joined Visit Oxford in 2008 and was named director in January 2014.

“We certainly celebrate all of the years Mary Allyn tirelessly led Visit Oxford and her achievements in having brought us to where we are today,” said Byron Cohron, chairman of the Oxford Tourism Council.

Ferris has been with Visit Oxford since 2009, and was named deputy director in 2014. She has served in multiple roles and helped expand Visit Oxford’s public relations efforts during her time as deputy director.

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Mary Allyn Hedges for so many years. She will be missed in our office and industry,” Ferris said. “I believe Oxford is a sought-after destination and I look forward to working with our team to bring the right visitors at the right times to Oxford in an effort to grow our economy.”

Visit Oxford is the marketing arm of the City of Oxford, tasked with promoting Oxford and its events. The centerpiece of Visit Oxford is the annual Double Decker Arts Festival, which draws over 60,000 people to Oxford during last weekend in April.