Breaking: Elizabeth Sims, longtime marketing director at Biltmore Estate, announces departure

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Elizabeth Sims has announced her departure from the Biltmore Estate. Sims, as the estate’s marketing and communications manager, holds one of the highest-profile jobs in Asheville and works for a company that’s been a a major magnet for media coverage and tourism in Asheville for decades. Biltmore Estate put Asheville on the map, and Sims helped put the Biltmore Estate on the map.

Sims, a former newspaper reporter, started some 20-odd years ago with the Biltmore Estate, before the company even had a marketing department. Sims helped build the department from the ground up, and probably deserves much of the credit for the Biltmore Estate’s continued success. There’s no doubt that the estate, which has grown to include a winery, a major hotel and other amenities in addition to the grand house, remains a top attraction. I don’t know how the recent economy has affected visitation this year, but recent history suggests the estate is remains a top destination.

Sims is leaving to pursue her own new business venture, although I don’t have details. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Sims this summer, when I shot photos of the Biltmore Estate’s summer concert series. We had a great time chatting before the show. I wish her all the best.