Former leader leaving CRVA

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — The man who was at the helm of Charlotte's Regional Visitors Authority when it was involved in controversy is out.

Tim Newman resigned his position with the CRVA Friday, more than seven years after he took the helm of the agency that markets Charlotte for business and tourism.

"Tim has been a great assistant to me as I made the transition, and Tim and I agreed that the best thing was for him to move on," said Tom Murray, the new CEO of the agency.

Murray said Newman left on good terms after the two of them discussed the future of the agency after questions over spending and bonuses came up last year.

Newman was in the middle of the controversy that included questions over lavish dinners and other perks that the visitors group had used to attract business to Charlotte.

Newman had stepped down from the top job with the agency when Murray came less than three months ago but was still overseeing sales until Friday.

Murray said he will unveil his new leadership team on Monday before going to City Council with his blueprint for the future of the CRVA.

"We will change culturally and structurally and will be perceived more internally than externally," Murray said.

WSOC