Choose Chicago Finally Has a New CEO

Starting on May 5, Kristen Reynolds will be the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, the official destination marketing organization for the city. She joins from Discover Long Island, where she was president and CEO. 

Discover Long Island’s $6 million budget pales in comparison to that of Choose Chicago, which was $29 million in 2023. 

As does compensation: Lynn Osmond, who served as president and CEO of Choose Chicago until January 2024, received a base compensation of $536,165, while Reynolds’ compensation package at Discover Long Island was $225,471.

After Osmond left the role unexpectedly, Choose Chicago Board Member Rich Gamble served as interim CEO. Gamble will stay on to support Reynolds in her onboarding.  

More Women Heading DMOs

Reynolds joins a growing group of women in top roles at DMOs. Most recently, Megan Conway became the new president and CEO of Travel Portland.

Julie Coker now leads NYC Tourism + Convention as its new president and CEO. She joins from the San Diego Tourism Authority where she was president and CEO.

Anna Marie Presutti recently assumed the role of president and CEO of the San Francisco Travel Association.

These women join other CEOs who head up DMOs. They include Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston. In addition, Casandra Matej is the president and CEO of Visit Orlando; Julie Calvert, president and CEO of Visit Cincy; Tammy Canavan, president and CEO of Visit Seattle, Deana Ivey is the CEO and president of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., and Kristen Adamo is president and CEO of Providence Warwick CVB.

"We are breaking ceilings," said Reynolds. "These women paved the way for women like me to succeed in these roles, and I hope to do the same for others."

McCormick Place Undergoes Changes

Chicago is home to McCormick Place, the U.S.’s largest convention facility, with 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. The venue is also undergoing a transition. In February, it was announced that the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) board of directors decided to take back the management of McCormick Place.

From its opening in 1960 through 2011, McCormick Place was managed in-house. In 2011, MPEA outsourced the management of the convention center to SMG, which later merged with AEG Facilities to form ASM Global in February 2019. 

In 2023, following a competitive bid process, OVG was awarded the venue management and food services contracts. From July onwards, OVG’s remit will be limited to food services.

Discover Long Island Board Chair Mitch Pally will serve as Interim CEO following Reynolds’ departure on April 25, as the organization searches for a new permanent leader.