Al Hutchinson Selected as New President and CEO of Visit Baltimore
BALTIMORE, MD (WJZ)-- John Frisch, chairman of the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board of Directors, announced the hiring of Al Hutchinson, 57, as Visit Baltimore's new president and CEO.
Hutchinson brings more than 24 years of experience in the hospitality and destination marketing industry to Baltimore, most recently serving as president and CEO of Visit Mobile, where he was recognized as the 2016 Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance's 'Tourism Promoter of the Year.'
As president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, Hutchinson will be responsible for leading the growth of the convention and tourism industry in Baltimore, overseeing the day-to-day management of all sales and marketing programs and serving as the hospitality industry's liaison to the business, civic and local community, while demonstrating the impact of tourism on the City and State.
"Visit Baltimore is a strong bureau well positioned for growth and I have great confidence that Al is the right leader to build upon recent successes of the organization," said Frisch. "From hosting a record 30 citywide conventions in 2015 coupled with multiple years of record visitation numbers, to the creation of a separate Visit Baltimore Education & Training Foundation, he is taking over the helm of a very strong organization. I know that the organization, and in turn the City, the region and the State, will benefit from his sales and marketing experience and strong reputation as a collaborative, transparent leader and effective communicator."
Hutchinson takes over from Ron Melton who stepped in to serve as interim president and CEO at Visit Baltimore beginning May 6, 2016. Melton returns to his full time role as chief operating officer. "I would like to extend my gratitude to Ron for stepping into the interim role during this search process and thank him for his leadership during this time of transition," said Frisch.
"I look forward to leading Baltimore's tourism efforts and to working with the Visit Baltimore team, Convention and Tourism Board of Directors, the city's elected officials and the citizens of Baltimore to lead the City to new heights," said Hutchinson. "I'm excited by the opportunity to take the helm of such a strong organization."
"Al is well-respected within the industry," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. "We are lucky to have him and I am confident that he will serve as a strong advocate for tourism in Baltimore while also working to build relationships and partnerships within the community. I was impressed by his passion and perspective on how tourism can further advance Baltimore's economy."
Hutchinson is a graduate of the University of Alabama and currently serves on the advisory council for the University of South Alabama Business School. He has been an active member of the communities in which he has worked, previously serving on the board of directors for the Virginia Aquarium, and the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and as part of the Industry Partner Alliance program for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Hutchinson is married with two children.
Hutchinson will assume the position on November 14.
