Visit Saint Paul, the city’s official tourism and convention promotion agency, hired a president and CEO.
Having resigned from his post at Visit Duluth in December 2013 in search of a new challenge after 28 years with the organization in different capacities, Terry Mattson will now oversee Visit Saint Paul and RiverCentre Authority, effective Feb. 3.
“We received a tremendous amount of interest in this position from across the country,” said Pat Harris, chair of Search Committee, Visit St. Paul. “In the end, Terry’s experience in the CVB world and his connections in the industry throughout the state made him the most desirable candidate.”
During Mattson’s tenure, tourism-related tax revenues increased 6 percent year over year for 20 years. In 2012, he was named “Outstanding Individual in Tourism” by Explore Minnesota, the $12 billion industry’s top state honor.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think my next challenge would come so quickly and in such a great city as Saint Paul,” said Mattson. “I’m incredibly excited and ready to get started at Visit Saint Paul.”
While in Duluth, Mattson led a staff 12 and oversaw a budget of nearly $3 million. He had significant success creating demand for the destination by creating, planning and executing events, including Tall Ships Duluth, which drew 200,000 people in 2013.
“I am excited to welcome Terry Mattson as he takes the helm at Visit Saint Paul,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “I look forward to working with him as we promote Saint Paul as a premier destination for meetings, major events and the traditional weekend getaway.”
Mattson comes to Saint Paul with his wife Renee, who recently resigned as executive director of Spirit Mountain Recreational Area in Duluth.
