JACKSONVILLE, Fla - September 22, 2010 - Visit Jacksonville announced today that Daniel O�Byrne has been named the new president and CEO for the organization. O�Byrne will be responsible for the continued growth of the tourism and convention business in the Jacksonville market by developing and executing effective marketing and sales strategies, as well as providing strategic leadership and oversight of the organization in all aspects of its operations and mission. He replaces John Reyes, who resigned from the position earlier this year to head the Monterey, California convention and visitors bureau.

�I am excited to work closely with the hospitality and tourism industry leaders in the region to bring more tourism, meetings and citywide conventions to the city,� said O�Byrne. �The Duval County region has many outstanding assets, including the beaches, arts, golf, the Gator Bowl, high-profile entertainment, the nation�s largest urban park system, a diverse set of attractions, the City�s special events, and, of course, the Jaguars. Selling and promoting these great assets will be a major focus of the Visit Jacksonville team.�

Prior to joining Visit Jacksonville, O�Byrne served as the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Marketing Officer at the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. During his 30 years of experience in the meetings, tourism and marketing industries, he also worked at Tishman Hotel Corporation, Westin Hotels and Resorts and Deloitte, Haskins & Sells. Throughout his career, O�Byrne has been involved with The Cornell Hotel Society, Arkansas at the Center Meetings and Conventions Funding Co-op, U.S. Travel Assoc., Associated Luxury Hotels, Inc. and Destination Marketing Assoc. International.

He is a graduate of The School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University and achieved a Masters of Arts Degree in Applied Economics from the University of Central Florida.

�Daniel�s experience in the tourism and hospitality industries will serve our community well. He will be a strong and dynamic leader implementing the strategic goals of Visit Jacksonville, and we are confident that he is the right candidate to lead our city for growth in the tourism and convention world,� said Danny Berenberg, who served as chair of the search committee.

Visit Jacksonville conducted a comprehensive, nationwide search and executed a process for the new hire that included both local leaders as well as SearchWide, an executive recruitment firm specific to the hospitality, meetings, and conventions industry. 

Members of the Executive Search committee included:

• Chair: Danny Berenberg, GiftCounsel.com
• Vice Chair: Donald Harris, Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Julie Dion, Adventure Landing
• Dan King, Hyatt Regency, Jacksonville Riverfront
• Janice G. Lowe, Jacksonville Landing Investments
• Sonny Bhikha, Quality Suites Oceanfront
• Sarah Marie Johnson, Bistro Aix
• Kerri Stewart, Office of the Mayor
• Stephen Joost, City Council Vice President

�The Executive Search Committee worked diligently to find the best candidate for Visit Jacksonville and our community,� said Donald Harris. �Daniel surpassed all of our expectations, and we look forward to seeing him use his strengths and abilities to improve our already solid track record of attracting and hosting meetings and conventions.�

Visit Jacksonville, formerly known as the Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization of Greater Jacksonville. Its mission is to create visitor demand, resulting in measurable economic growth for business partners and contribute to the quality of life and economic viability of the Jacksonville community.

�Visit Jacksonville has been a key component in bringing visitors to the Jacksonville area,� said Stephen Joost. �In 2009, Duval County welcomed 2.6 million overnight visitors to the area, generating $1.5 billion in economic impact to the city. I believe Daniel�s passion for the job will continue to enhance these figures, leading to a higher economic impact for our city in the future.�

O�Byrne�s first day will be November 8th. In the interim, he will be making plans to transition into his new position as well as plan for his family�s move to Jacksonville.

For more information on Visit Jacksonville, visit www.visitjacksonville.com.