Chief Executive Officer

Company Description

VisitNorfolk is the official destination marketing organization for Norfolk, Virginia, dedicated to promoting the city as a year-round destination for leisure, business, conventions, and sports travel. Located on the water, Norfolk offers a unique blend of inspiring shorelines, vibrant neighborhoods, rich history, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. The organization’s mission is to promote Norfolk’s unique experiences and expansive amenities to residents and visitors as the best of its kind to start, study, and stay.

About Norfolk, Va

Norfolk, Virginia is a vibrant waterfront city where culture, history, and coastal energy come together. Known for its walkable downtown, thriving arts and culinary scene, and year-round festivals and events, Norfolk offers visitors an authentic and dynamic coastal experience. As home to the world’s largest naval base and a hub for tourism, commerce, and maritime heritage, Norfolk continues to grow as a premier destination for visitors, meetings, and conventions.

Role Description

• This is a full-time, on-site position based in Norfolk, Virginia. As the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VisitNorfolk, you will provide strategic leadership for VisitNorfolk, guiding the organization’s marketing, sales, and visitor experience initiatives while strengthening relationships with industry partners, civic leaders, and community stakeholders. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will champion Norfolk as a premier destination for visitors, meetings, conventions, and events while supporting the continued growth of the region’s tourism and hospitality economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for VisitNorfolk’s destination marketing and tourism initiatives.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to guide organizational priorities, financial stewardship, and long-term strategy.
• Promote Norfolk as a leading destination for leisure travel, meetings, conventions, and special events.
• Cultivate strong relationships with hospitality partners, civic leaders, community stakeholders, and regional tourism organizations.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for VisitNorfolk and the Norfolk tourism community.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Travel & Tourism, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in tourism, hospitality, destination marketing, or a related industry, including at least five years of senior-level management experience within a Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), marketing agency, or a similar leadership role in the hospitality industry.
• Experience working within a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), or tourism-focused organization.
• Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with government officials, civic leaders, tourism partners, and community stakeholders, supported by excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

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