White decides to remain with Visit Salt Lake

On July 21, The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors announced the appointment of Mark White as its new president and CEO.

On July 27, White informed the Board of Directors of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) that he will remain in his current position at Visit Salt Lake, where he has held multiple tourism and convention related positions since 1993.


“This was an extremely difficult decision for my wife and I,” said White. “This was a great opportunity to head a respectable tourism organization in a beautiful destination. However, I am very fortunate to have a rewarding position in a fantastic area, and my family is very much invested, both professionally and emotionally, in Salt Lake City. I am grateful to the RSCVA Board, but my family must take precedence at this time.”

At the time of the original announcement, White said he was excited to move to Reno and that he was looking forward to making a positive impact in the community.

“I am very thankful to the Board for its confidence that I can make a difference promoting Reno Tahoe,” said White. “It’s a beautiful area with so many attributes that are attractive to leisure travelers as well as meeting planners.”

Mr. White was one of two finalists interviewed by the Board of Directors after an extensive, nationwide search for candidates. The RSCVA Board of Directors must now approve the best course of action, as the organization looks to fill the position.

“It’s unfortunate that Mark has elected to remain at his current position,” said Dwight Dortch, RSCVA Chairman of the Board of Directors. “But, it’s a decision that he feels needed to be made for his family. He has two teenage children, one in high school and one in middle school, and his wife has a successful career as well. You can’t disrespect him for making a decision based on those factors.
The RSCVA Board will now have to come together and determine how best to move forward with the search.”

The RSCVA Board of Directors will likely entertain an agenda item at a future meeting that will allow it to take action on the search for a new President & CEO.