Tourism agency eyes industry veteran Sprague as its new interim president

Public Record, The, May 03, 2005 by Davis, Rick

Never a dull moment. That seems to be the modus operandi these days at the Palm Springs Desert Resorts Convention and Visitors Authority. Another week, another new head honcho. The revolving door on the tourism agency's Rancho Mirage building seems to be stuck on the spin cycle. Or so it seems anyway as the administrative unraveling that began with longtime president Michael Fife's somewhat messy resignation March 24 deteriorated a little more April 21 when Gary Sloan an interim replacement - resigned, too.

Unlike Fife, who bowed out amid an investigation into alleged financial improprieties, Sloan cited health reasons for his departure. The 59-year-old La Mirada import was on the job only eight days.

So, now it's come to this: The agency known in local circles as the CVA probably will replace its abruptly departed interim replacement with another interim replacement.

"We're going to have an interim-interim chief," said Dana Hobart, a Rancho Mirage City Councilman and member of the CVA governing board.

Perhaps soon, too. Last week, CVA officials indicated that Ted Sprague, a 62-year-old former Phoenix tourism industry executive, has surfaced as the frontrunner to fill Sloan's shoes on an interim basis. Sprague was to discuss terms of such an employment agreement with CVA technical advisory committee chairman Michael O'Connor this week. There were indications a deal could be struck, as suggested by O'Connor's comment that "he's very enthusiastic about the job."

With a $5.4 million budget and funding from eight valley cities (Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Indio, Indian Wells, La Quinta and Desert Hot Springs), the CVA is considered the highest profile tourism agency in this area.

Another hurdle to be cleared by Sprague: he would have to pass a extensive background investigation, according to CVA officials.

Sprague's resume also includes a nineyear stint as executive director of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was terminated from that position in 1991 in a house-cleaning that included firing of four other executives.

According to Thomas Freeman, chairman of the CVA governing board, Sprague was recommended for the position based on his experience with similar organizations, professional knowledge and overall track record.

PALM SPRINGS DESERT RESORTS CONVENTION AND VISITOS AUTHORITY

Mission: To increase the economic well-being of the hospitality industry and overall economy of member cities and the

Coachella Valley portion of Riverside County.

The CVA pursues ways to increase the occupancy level of hotels and boost the room tax collected from member cities.

Member cities: Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Indio, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs.

Annual budget: $5.4 million.