WASHINGTON, D.C

Jim Evans, former CEO of Brand USA, has vacated his position after just one year on the job. The decision comes a week after six senators sent a letter to the Corporation for Travel Promotion expressing concerns over lavish spending, asking Brand USA to submit documents outlining its spending and the results of those efforts.

Brand USA already has started searching for Evans’ replacement, according to a news release. The organization's vice chair, Caroline Beteta, was named interim CEO, effective immediately. Beteta is the CEO of Visit California.

In their letter, the Senators—all of whom are Republican—said: “It is our understanding that the corporation awarded a media consultant, JWT of New York City, an initial 90-day contract. According to a recent GAO report, the corporation negotiated a subsequent master service agreement with JWT without first going through the bidding process.”

Also, they noted, Brand USA’s first annual report was due May 15 but it has yet to be released.

Courtesy of hotelnewsnow.com