The Board of Directors of Visit KC announced that it has selected industry veteran Jason Fulvi as its new President and CEO. With more than 32 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industries, Fulvi comes to Kansas City from VisitPITTSBURGH, where he has served for 16 years and most recently as the organization’s Executive Vice President. A Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Fulvi begins his new role at Visit KC on Sept. 12.

Visit KC Board Chairwoman CiCi Rojas and Kevin Pistilli, immediate past chair, led the six-month search process with the assistance of the recruitment firm Fenaroli & Associates and a committee within the Board.

“We achieved our goal of conducting a thorough, nationwide search to find the right person to lead Visit KC forward in promoting our great city and region,” said Rojas. “We were drawn to Mr. Fulvi because of his extensive background in hospitality, widespread industry knowledge and proven ability to lead and empower. I am excited and inspired by his selection.”

Fulvi grew up in a small town in Western Pennsylvania and graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. He began his hospitality career as a hotel dishwasher, working his way up through the industry and serving companies such as Hilton Worldwide and Holiday Inn, before joining VisitPITTSBURGH in May 2002.

“I’ve never forgotten where I started and carry a strong, humble work ethic that matches well with Kansas City,” he said. “My wife, who is also a hospitality professional, and I were so impressed with how welcoming and inclusive everyone was when we visited.”

Key to his interest in the position was the city’s Downtown renaissance and convention momentum, Fulvi said.

“As a destination marketing professional, I am impressed by the commitment the city’s leadership has shown to make Kansas City a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions. This is one of the best, well thought-out convention packages in the industry, and the city and local hospitality leadership should be proud of what they have accomplished,” Fulvi said. “The icing on the cake is the city’s continued momentum, including developments such as the Loews KC Convention Center Hotel and the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport.”

In his role at VisitPITTSBURGH, Fulvi was responsible for key operations within the organization, overseeing several departments including convention sales, destination services, partnership development, sports and research. Prior to that position, Fulvi served as the executive director of convention sales.

“Congratulations to Jason and to Visit KC,” said Craig Davis, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “This is another milestone in what has been an outstanding career, and a long-time goal for Jason. Over the last 16 years he has been a dedicated and hardworking leader whose contributions have been essential to our success. He has overseen his teams with determination and professionalism, and as a passionate advocate for the mission of this organization. Without a doubt, Kansas City is gaining a proven, dynamic leader.”

City Manager Troy Schulte spent time meeting one on one with Fulvi, and said he was impressed with Fulvi’s knowledge of the industry and his commitment to serving as a collaborative community leader.

“Visit KC’s work is important to the economic vitality of our city and region,” said Schulte. “With Jason at the helm, I feel confident that we have ensured the organization’s continued success and a fruitful partnership with the city.”

Mayor Sly James echoed Schulte’s sentiment, saying “I’m pleased to welcome Jason to Kansas City. The team at Visit KC does a fantastic job promoting our city to the world, and Jason’s impressive track record and dedication will certainly help lead that organization—and our region—forward.”

Fulvi is active within several industry organizations, including the American Society of Association Executives and the Professional Convention Management Association. In July, he was appointed Chairman of the Destinations International Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering destination marketers. Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International, described Fulvi as “a natural leader who will bring a high level of energy, passion and professionalism to his appointment in Kansas City.”

Based in Downtown Kansas City, Visit KC is a non-profit organization of 47 employees whose mission is to ignite global passion for Kansas City and its 1,000 hospitality partners. Through marketing, sales and service of the convention and tourism industries, Visit KC supports a vital and growing component of the local economy—generating nearly 48,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in economic impact annually. For more information about the organization, go to VisitKC.com.

Source: Visit KC