ALEXANDRIA, VA-Visit Alexandria, the destination marketing organization for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, today (April 29) announced that, as part of a planned succession process, its Board of Governors has appointed Todd O’Leary as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective July 8, 2024.
O’Leary will succeed Patricia Washington, who announced in December 2023 her planned retirement after more than a decade running the destination marketing organization. Washington continues to lead Visit Alexandria through the end of June 2024 and will work closely with O’Leary to ensure a seamless transition that will sustain Visit Alexandria’s momentum and impact for years to come.
A 27-year veteran of the travel and tourism industry, O’Leary has extensive experience across three destination marketing organizations, Sonoma County Tourism, San Francisco Travel Association and VISIT Milwaukee. His leadership and impact in marketing, communications and global partnerships across the country has been recognized by various travel industry associations, and he was most recently honored as one of the 2022 Hospitality, Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Top 25 ‘Extraordinary Minds’ in the hospitality industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Todd as the next president and CEO of Visit Alexandria,” said Visit Alexandria Board of Governors Chair and General Manager at Hotel Indigo Kate Ellis. “Todd’s ample experience across the travel and tourism industry matched with his personable demeanor and vision for the future of Visit Alexandria will be critical as the organization prepares for its next phase of growth.”
O’Leary will oversee all operations for Visit Alexandria, including the organization’s strategic plan, community stakeholder communications and continued efforts to strengthen Alexandria’s revenue generation, reputational excellence and resident quality of life.
“My time as president and CEO of Visit Alexandria has been immensely fulfilling, and I am thrilled to pass the baton to such a warm, energetic and strategic leader in the tourism industry,” said outgoing Visit Alexandria President and CEO Patricia Washington. “Over the next few months, I will work closely with Todd, our Board of Governors and staff to ensure a smooth leadership transition.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to be appointed president and CEO of Visit Alexandria,” said O’Leary. “Alexandria is an incredible destination with a solid reputation that I’ve long admired. I’m excited to work with the members, board, staff and community at large to further the positive impacts of Alexandria’s tourism industry.”
O’Leary was selected for this position by a search task force chaired by Visit Alexandria Board of Governors Vice Chair and Senior Vice President of Association Management at Management Solutions Plus (MSP) Denise Jackson with the engagement of executive search firm SearchWide Global.
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ABOUT TODD O’LEARY
Todd O’Leary is a well-respected and awarded 27-year veteran of the travel and tourism industry. Todd started his career in the industry in 1997 when he interned at Walt Disney World and completed Disney’s College Training Program. In 1998, he interned at VISIT Milwaukee, and over the next 13 years, worked his way up to director of marketing. In 2013, Todd was hired to become the vice president of global partnerships and strategic alliances for San Francisco Travel, where he launched a new partnership model that significantly grew revenues for the organization and expanded partner reach through domestic and international promotional opportunities. In 2018, Todd joined Sonoma County Tourism (SCT), where he served as the vice president of marketing and communications, overseeing all marketing and public relations activities. Over his tenure with SCT, Todd launched a new brand, grew ROI from marketing campaigns, and helped the destination navigate several crises including wildfires, floods and the global pandemic.
In 2022, Todd was recognized as one of the Top 25 ‘Extraordinary Minds’ in the industry by Hospitality, Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). His work has been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association; HSMAI; American Advertising Federation; Public Relations Society of America; and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.
Todd holds two industry certifications – the Certified Tourism Industry Specialist (CTIS), and the highest industry certification – the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) certification. He is also highly involved in the tourism industry, including serving on the board of Destinations International, as well as committee roles at CalTravel, Visit California, Destinations International and San Francisco Travel. Todd graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning and Marketing.
Personally, Todd enjoys giving back to the communities he serves. He has a long history of doing so through community service projects and volunteer board roles at local nonprofits. Todd and his husband Mark enjoy gardening; entertaining; food and wine; as well as traveling the world. They have two cats: Bella and Lola.
ABOUT VISIT ALEXANDRIA AND ALEXANDRIA, VA
Visit Alexandria is the nonprofit visitor marketing organization for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. Recognized by Travel + Leisure among the Best Places to Travel in 2023 and Best Cities in the U.S. 2022 and voted a Condé Nast Traveler Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2023, Alexandria is a welcoming weekend escape on the Potomac River, minutes from Washington, D.C. Founded in 1749 and boasting the nation’s third oldest historic district, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel. Celebrating its 275th anniversary in 2024, the port city has played a major role in the nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Stroll Old Town Alexandria’s King Street mile to find more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques plus intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. Explore vibrant neighborhoods beyond Old Town, trace George Washington and the Founding Fathers’ footsteps and follow the stories of Black Americans who shaped the history of Alexandria and the United States.
Web: VisitAlexandria.com
Facebook: VisitAlexandriaVA
Twitter: AlexandriaVA
Instagram: VisitAlexVA
Hashtag: #visitALX
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