Greater Hartford CVB elects new chairman

Robert Flynn, vice president of strategic marketing at Travelers, has been elected chairman of the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau (GHCVB). He replaces John J. Patrick Jr., who completed his term this summer.


“Bob Flynn has been a great supporter of the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau and our work to bring conventions and major sporting events to our region,” said Michael Van Parys, acting president of the GHCVB. “His extensive knowledge in strategic marketing is a great asset as we intensify our efforts to sell our region and its appealing resources.

At Travelers, Flynn and his team drive revenue through the application and execution of marketing and communications initiatives, with a particular focus on mid-sized and specialty commercial customers. Prior to joining Travelers, Flynn served as the founding executive director of the Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services Cluster, a cooperative corporate venture through which businesses partnered with academic and political leaders to address strategic challenges including workforce development, regulatory affairs, and public policy.

Flynn also spent over 12 years as an intelligence officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He served as liaison between the CIA and U.S. Departments of State, Justice, FBI and Commerce, as well as the Secret Service and the White House. Upon the conclusion of the Gulf War, he was assigned as Chief of Base in the Middle East, leading an international intelligence office. He also led various international operations and earned several commendations for his leadership on issues related to the Persian Gulf.