As a development director at the Navy League of the United States Hampton Roads, he focuses on developing corporate sponsorships and organizing events for service members and their families.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, January 08, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Wayne Callis, CGMP, has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Callis has built a distinguished career in the hospitality and government meeting sectors, currently serving as a development director at the Navy League of the United States Hampton Roads, a role he stepped into in 2024. In this capacity, he focuses on developing corporate sponsorships and organizing events for service members and their families. Mr. Callis' dedication to creating mutually beneficial partnerships underscores his commitment to supporting the sea services, a cause he holds dear.
Throughout his career, Mr. Callis has exhibited a remarkable ability to build relationships, making all those he interacts with feel comfortable and welcome. Moreover, his flexibility and willingness to collaborate with others have been key to his success in various positions and situations, whether solving problems or negotiating contracts. Prior to occupying his current position, Mr. Callis spent nearly 10 years as a sales manager for VisitNorfolk, the Norfolk, VA Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he specialized in the government and military market and leveraged his ability to connect with others.
Before joining VisitNorfolk, Mr. Callis honed his skills in the hotel industry, serving as a sales manager at the Westin Hotel Virginia Beach Town Center from 2014 to 2015, Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel from 2012 to 2014 and Norfolk Waterside Marriott from 2007 to 2012. His work in these roles involved navigating the complexities of procurement and contracts within the government market. Earlier, Mr. Callis began his career with a two-decade tenure as a dental technician, which provided him with a strong foundation in attention to detail and customer service and laid the groundwork for his transition into the hospitality industry, where he found his niche in event management and sales.
As a result of his professional pursuits, Mr. Callis has been actively involved in several professional organizations. He is a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, where he served as treasurer for the Old Dominion Chapter for 8 years and collaborated with the National Capital Chapter. His contributions and efforts were recognized by the Old Dominion Chapter with multiple awards, including the Member's Choice Award, President's Award, and Supplier of the Year Award. Additionally, he was affiliated with both the Professional Convention Management Association and Meeting Professionals International.
Coupled with his experience, Mr. Callis' educational background encompassed coursework in computer programming and hotel restaurant management, both of which have been instrumental in his professional achievements. Furthermore, he holds a Certified Government Meeting Professional designation, underscoring his expertise in navigating government-related events and contracts. In reflecting on his achievements, Mr. Callis attributes much of his success to his parents' influence and a close-knit group of friends who have supported him throughout his journey.
Beyond his professional life, Mr. Callis enjoys cooking, pets, gardening, entertaining friends with card nights, traveling and taking an interest in weather phenomena, such as tornado chasing. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, he has always felt a connection to the military community due to the city's naval presence. Looking ahead, Mr. Callis hopes to continue contributing to the Navy League's mission while also planning for retirement and future travels.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Callis has made significant contributions through civic involvement. Being a member of the Society of Government Meeting Professionals, and fundraising co-chair for Samuel Gilmer Institute of Learning, he played a key role in raising substantial funds for educational initiatives and was the recipient of the prestigious Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award in 2021 for members on the hotel side. Overall, Mr. Callis' personal to professional interests reflect his dynamic personality and zest for life. Whether it's experimenting with new recipes or exploring new destinations, he approaches each endeavor with enthusiasm and curiosity. Looking forward, his passion for supporting service members and their families remains a driving force in both his personal and professional pursuits.
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Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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