MILTON, Pa. (Nov. 22, 2024) — The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau (SRVVB) Board of Directors has learned that charges have been filed today against Timothy Dowhower, the former marketing director of SRVVB, for allegedly engaging in theft by deception over a period of years while employed by SRVVB.
This development follows a thorough investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, which was prompted by SRVVB leadership after an internal review of vendor relationships related to marketing services following Dowhower’s departure from the organization earlier this year. The internal review raised questions about the legitimacy of some marketing services paid for by SRVVB.
"The Board takes its role as financial stewards very seriously," said SRRVB Board Treasurer Amber Guerrero. "When these irregularities were discovered, we acted immediately and decisively to protect the organization and ensure accountability."
As a result of this incident, SRVVB has taken steps to enhance its internal processes, including implementing stricter financial oversight, dual-authorization policies and board-supervised procedures for vendor onboarding.
The SRVVB remains financially stable and fully operational, with visitor spending in the region exceeding pre-COVID levels, according to the most recent 2022 report.
"Our mission remains unchanged," Guerrero said. "We are committed to serving our members, partners and the community with transparency and integrity, ensuring the Susquehanna River Valley continues to be a great place to live, work, play and visit."
