Alexandria — The Alexandria business community turned out in force at the Athenaeum June 20 to bid farewell to Merrie Morris, the longtime director of membership and public affairs for the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association.

“What Merrie has given to the city and this organization cannot be overstated,” said vice Mayor Allison Silberberg of Morris' 13-year career with the ACVA.

Morris, a driving force behind Alexandria's tourism economy in recent years, will be relocating to Kansas City with her husband Alan and dogs Rusty and Henry to be closer to family.

“I am humbled and overwhelmed to see everyone here,” said a tearful Morris. “People like Claire [Mouledoux] and Lorraine [Lloyd] represent the best of Alexandria and ACVA. I don't know what I'll do when I wake up in Kansas City and these people aren't there.”

With Morris' departure, ACVA president and CEO announced the promotion of Mouledoux to director of communications from her current role as communications manager. Meredith Kirkpatrick will handle membership questions until a replacement for Morris is named.

“Alexandria is on the verge of being even more amazing,” Morris said. “With the National Science Foundation relocation and the growing vitality on King Street, I am proud that ACVA has been a part of all that has been happening. I can't thank City Council and city staff enough for their incredible support. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

Silberberg summed up the thoughts of many in the city and business community.

“Merrie has been an incredible asset to Alexandria,” Silberberg said. “On behalf of a grateful city, we say 'thank you.'”