Elliott Ferguson has been named president and chief executive officer at Destination DC, the convention and visitors bureau for Washington.

He replaces Bill Hanbury, who left the organization earlier this year to run the United Way of the National Capitol Area. Ferguson, who was senior vice president of convention sales at Destination DC, was selected after a national search for a replacement. “Elliott brings a wealth of experience, great sales focus, and outstanding leadership,” said Sheila Stampfli, chairwoman of Destination DC, in a press release. “The quality of the candidates we reviewed is a testament to how terrific D.C. is as a destination. I’m very excited to move forward with Elliott at the helm.”

“I’ve learned a lot in my years working with Bill Hanbury and the wonderful team at Destination DC,” said Ferguson in a press release. “It’s an exciting opportunity and challenge to lead this organization and set the strategy for continued success.” Before joining Destination DC seven years ago, Ferguson led the convention sales teams for both the Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., convention bureaus.