MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- After a national search, VISIT Milwaukee has a new leader.

Peggy Williams-Smith has been named the new CEO. She was selected from a national field of candidates in a months-long search and is the first woman to lead the organization.

Williams-Smith is a lifelong Milwaukeean, proud UWM Panther, and has used her hospitality skills at Marcus Corporation since 1997.

She says she looks forward to a very busy year ahead, with several national events on the horizon, including the DNC, the Ryder Cup and several others.

"They're going to come here and see the hospitality Milwaukee can provide and that we can be this destination for many other events into the next decade," Williams-Smith said.

Williams-Smith replaces Paul Upchurch, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. She will takeover as the new CEO on Nov. 18.