John Poole

Senior Vice President of Sales & Destination Services

JohnPoole@ExploreCabarrus.com
704-456-7968

John Poole joined the Cabarrus County CVB team in January 2016 with extensive education and over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry including sales, management, marketing and operations.

Returning to the area after managing an eight-room bed and breakfast and fine dining restaurant in Maine for three years, John previously held the position of Director of Sales & Marketing at Great Wolf Lodge Charlotte/Concord. From 2007 to 2009, he held the same position at Great Wolf Resorts’ Grand Mound, WA location. John has also held several other positions in sales and marketing across the country and abroad at resorts and hotels in Canada, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and Charleston, SC.

A native of Ontario and Vancouver, BC resident, John is a graduate of New Brunswick College. He also received an Associates Degree from San Diego Golf Academy and has completed several hospitality programs with Westin Hotels and Resorts and Orient Express Hotels & Resorts.

John has had longtime involvement with many hospitality industry associations including Meeting Planners International, Society of Incentive Travel Executives, Professional Conference Management Association and Rotary Club. He currently serves on the board of Association Executives of North Carolina.

Alex Morales

Sales Manager

AlexMorales@ExploreCabarrus.com
704-456-7972

Alex Morales joined the Cabarrus County CVB sales team in January 2023 after spending seven years with Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Most recently serving as Director of Group Sales and New Business Development, she also held the roles of Assistant Guest Services Manager and Retail Sales Manager during her time with Chetola. Her previous experience also includes Membership Experience Manager for professional networking organization Charlotte Business Group.

Morales graduated from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute earning associate degrees in Hospitality Administration/Management and Business Management. In 2021, she completed professional certifications including University of South Florida Muma College of Business Post-Crisis Hospitality Management Certificate, Event Leadership Institute’s Pandemic Meeting & Event Design Certificate, and Watauga Leadership Institute’s Certificate of Leadership. She also attended Appalachian State University where she is currently a mentor with the Women in Walker (WOW) program for ASU’s Walker College of Business.

Morales is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Carolinas Chapter serving on the organization’s fundraising committee.