Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) is delighted to announce Don Welsh, CEO of Choose Chicago, has been selected as new president and CEO. SearchWide, an executive recruiting firm, was brought on to manage the search process for a new CEO earlier this year.
“After a thorough search process that included a stellar group of candidates, we are thrilled that Don has accepted this position,” stated Bob Lander, Chairman of the DMAI board of directors and CEO of the Austin CVB. “We are confident that that he will lead DMAI in becoming the premier destination management organization both in the U.S. and globally.”
Welsh has many years of industry experience as a tourism executive under his belt. Previously, he has held positions at both Seattle Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association. His background also includes extensive hotel experience with Westin Hotels, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, and the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino in Las Vegas.
“I am incredibly proud of what the Choose Chicago team and Chicago’s visitor industry have accomplished in just five years.” said Welsh. “While this is a bittersweet day for me and my family, I remain 100% confident in the Choose Chicago leadership team to continue to move this industry forward. Opportunities such as this don’t come along often, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
DMAI is one of the world’s leading and most dependable resources for official destination marketing and management organizations (DMOs).
