Photo submitted to the Times Observer Rustin Lippincott, the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau’s new executive director, is pictured.

BRADFORD – The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, VisitANF.com has appointed Rustin Lippincott as its new executive director.

Lippincott has replaced Linda Devlin, who retired after 26 years with the bureau.

“Following a national search, we are excited to welcome Lippincott to Pennsylvania, McKean County and the ANF region as a respected and experienced leader in the tourism industry,” said Ed Prince, president of the ANF Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. “It’s an exciting time for the entire county as Lippincott has hit the ground running with new ideas to promote the area and inspire more visitors to the region.”

Lippincott has destination marketing, non-profit leadership, and tourism management experience in Iowa, Montana and Minnesota.

“With the dynamic leadership across McKean County, we are positioned well to strengthen the visitor-based economy. I’m poised to work alongside the Board of Directors and the ANFVB team to establish and strengthen partnerships, recognize and develop synergies to enhance the tourism product, and devote resources into the creation of experiences that appeal to visitors and residents,” said Lippincott. “Outdoor recreation opportunities within the Allegheny National Forest region and the abundant trail program, along with the Kinzua Sky Walk, Kane and Bradford anchor a recognizable and diverse attraction base and food-beverage scene.”

The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for McKean County, supported by the hotel excise tax and nearly 200 members from McKean County and the ANF region.

The travel and tourism sector is an integral part of the McKean County economy, generating $172.6 million in 2022, an 11% increase from the prior year, according to the economic impact report from the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism. Tourism in McKean County supports more than 1,200 jobs.

For more information on the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau mission, call Lippincott at 800-473-9370.