DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The non-profit that promotes tourism in Dallas has hired an interim chief executive to replace Philip Jones. Jones resigned over an audit that questioned how VisitDallas spent money.
The audit said Jones would book hotel rooms that were more expensive than guidelines allowed and filed expense reports for personal expenses.
Sam Coats will serve as interim CEO.
"I hope this transition is short and sweet," he says.
Coats has served as chief executive for several other companies, including Schlotzsky's when the sandwich maker went through bankruptcy.
"Fortunately, we've got a great staff. I've done turnarounds," Coats says. "Schlotzsky's was a broken company. This is not a broken organization."
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings says Coats will work to ensure VisitDallas spends money wisely and accounts for it wisely. Even while the audit questioned Jones' spending, Rawlings says VisitDallas is now debt free and 2.5 hotel rooms have been booked in the city this year.
"We're here to make sure VisitDallas is on the right track, that it stays on that," he says.
Jones earned a salary of almost $700,000. Rawlings says he expects the permanent replacement to earn a similar salary.