After a nationwide search, the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today that Brent DeRaad, current president & CEO of Visit Tucson, has been chosen to lead the city’s destination marketing organization into the next phase of success and growth. He will start his new position on December 6.
DeRaad is replacing Ron Price, who had been president & CEO since 2013. Price resigned in May to head Visit Phoenix in Arizona.
“The Executive Committee, Board of Directors and search committee, spearheaded by SearchWide Global, reviewed numerous talented candidates during this months-long process. It was clear, based on experience and an understanding of the tourism industry, that Brent was the right person for the position, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arlington,” said Rob Matwick, ACVB Chairman of the Board.
DeRaad comes to Arlington with more than 20 years of hospitality leadership, sales and marketing experience. With Visit Tucson, he was responsible for a $10MM annual budget and 16,000 hotel rooms.
Prior to Visit Tucson, DeRaad was executive vice president of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he previously was vice president of marketing. He has also been director of communications with the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“I am honored to lead the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau and to take the baton from Ron Price. The CVB’s knowledgeable staff, city leaders, industry stakeholders and I will work together to continue the growth and impact of the organization and the city as we move into the future,” said DeRaad. “Arlington is a top sports, leisure and business destination, and I look forward to being a part of its continued success.” DeRaad holds two degrees from Arizona State University: a master’s in mass communication and a bachelor’s in journalism/public relations.
He is currently the immediate past board chair of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association, board president of Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West), and a board member of both the Arizona Bowl college football bowl game, and of the Tucson Conquistadores, which stages the city’s annual PGA TOUR Champions event. He is also a member of the Arizona Governor’s Tourism Advisory Council.
DeRaad and wife, Beth, are the parents to two adult sons, Devon and Derek. Beth and Brent are excited to relocate to Arlington in the coming weeks.
The Arlington (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau markets and develops the city as a premier sports, business, and leisure entertainment destination to achieve new tourism spending benefits for the visitor industry, community, and its residents. With more than 14.5 million visitors annually and over 6,000 hotel rooms, Arlington’s tourism and hospitality industry employs more than 11,000 people. For more info, visit arlington.org.
