FARGO — A news conference served as a symbolic "passing of the torch" between the outgoing and incoming heads of the organization focused on drawing visitors to the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Charley Johnson, retiring president and CEO of Visit Fargo-Moorhead, helped welcome Shirley Hughes to the role during a joint appearance Wednesday, Sept. 10, at a Fargo hotel.

The organization’s board of directors announced Hughes as president and CEO on Sept. 2. She officially started Monday, crossing over with Johnson for about two weeks before he retires after more than 13 years in the role.

Hughes said she’s thrilled to succeed Johnson to build on his legacy, particularly in moving the city’s $40 million convention center project forward.

A committee is in the midst of scoring nine proposals for

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