Lee McMichael has been named manager of the Gainesville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“In addition to the obvious attractions like Lake Lanier, I can already see what a tremendous gem the Highlands to Islands Trail will be for this part of North Georgia,” McMichael said in a news release.

Although he is a Georgia native, McMichael spent the past three years as the tourism director for Page, Ariz.

“I visited Gainesville a few times when I was in college at the University of Georgia and

always thought it might be a nice place to settle down. I never imagined it would actually happen,” he said.

Gainesville Communications and Tourism Director Catiel Felts said McMichael was the obvious candidate for this position.

“Lee has a strong background in tourism having served in various positions in Valdosta and Florida. He also served as film commissioner in Hendry County, Fla., and Page. His expertise will be a tremendous asset as Gainesville continues to position itself as a participant in the already active film and television industry in Georgia,” Felts said.

McMichael replaces Tourism Manager Deb Gravitt, who is now serving as the communications and tourism assistant.

McMichael and his wife, Mary, have two children.