L to R: Barb Bowden, Visit Orlando’s new Board Chair and Area Managing Director at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, and Casandra Matej, Visit Orlando’s President & CEO

Happy New Year from your Visit Orlando team! 
 
As we kick off 2025, it’s an honor to welcome Barb Bowden, Area Managing Director at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, as Visit Orlando’s new Board Chair. Previously serving as Chair-Elect, Bowden will now lead strategic guidance and act as a key advisor to Visit Orlando. Barb’s dedication to collaboration and her wealth of experience in the travel and tourism industry make her well positioned as Visit Orlando’s board chair. 

tm-barbbowden-terryprather-2024
Terry Prather, Chair of Dr. Phillips Charities, passes the gavel to Barb Bowden, Area Managing Director at Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, during the traditional gavel exchange ceremony at Visit Orlando's Year-End Celebration.

Bowden succeeds Terry Prather, who completed his two-year term in December 2024. Prather formally transitioned to his new role as Past Chair on Jan. 1, 2025, ensuring continuity and leveraging his extensive experience to support the board.

In addition to Barb, we welcome several new influential community and business leaders who will bring their expertise and vision to our 2025 Board of Directors. We look forward to working with Barb and our 2025 Board of Directors to advance Visit Orlando’s mission to inspire, promote and grow global travel to Orlando for economic and community benefit. Below are the newly elected board members:

New Board Chair to serve through Dec. 31, 2026:

  • Barb Bowden, Area Managing Director, Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando

New Board of Directors:

  • Adam Babington, Vice President of External Affairs, Walt Disney World 
  • Trina Gregory, Owner, Se7en Bites
  • Anne-Marie Hayward, Market President & Publisher of the Orlando Business Journal
  • Marc Reicher, Executive Vice President/Florida Partner, RIDA Development Corporation
  • Nicole Wilson, Commissioner, District 1, Orange County Government

Visit Orlando’s full Board of Directors for 2025 is as follows:

Executive Committee:

  • Barb Bowden, Chair, Area Managing Director, Ops, Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando
  • Terry Prather, Past-Chair, Chair of Dr. Phillips Charities
  • Charlie Freeman, Chair-Elect, Pres. Business Operations, Orlando Magic
  • Atish Shah, Secretary/Treasurer, EVP & CFO, Xenia Hotels & Resorts
  • Brian Comes (At-Large), Vice President of Field Operations, Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Paul Mears III, President, Hello! Destination Management Company
  • Casandra Matej, President & CEO, President & CEO, Visit Orlando

Elected Directors:

  • David Buckalew, Business Owner, Buckalew Hospitality, LLC
  • John de Armas, CEO, Spectra Management
  • Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations, Orlando City Soccer
  • Jennifer Evins, President & CEO, United Arts of Central Florida
  • Steven Jamieson, Corporate Director of Operations, The Forbes Company 
  • Chris Jaskiewicz, President & CEO, ICON Park
  • David Lutz, President & CEO, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting
  • Claudia Menezes, Vice President, GoPegasus
  • Chris Mueller, General Manager, Hilton Orlando 
  • Marc Reicher, Executive Vice President/Florida Partner, RIDA Development Corporation 
  • Sean Verney, Area General Manager, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

At-Large Directors:

  • Brian Comes (Executive Committee), Vice President of Field Operations, Americas, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  • Dan Giordano, General Manager, Rosen Shingle Creek
  • Trina Gregory, Owner, Se7en Bites
  • Erick Hawkins, Chief Administrative Officer, Orlando Health
  • Anne-Marie Hayward, Market President & Publisher, Orlando Business Journal

Ex-Officio Directors:

  • Robert Agrusa, President/CEO, Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Adam Babington, Vice President of External Affairs, Walt Disney World
  • Brooke Bonnett, Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
  • Brad Gilmour, Park President, Aquatica and Discovery Cove
  • Tim Giuliani, President & CEO, Orlando Economic Partnership 
  • Roseann Harrington, Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor, Orange County Government
  • Gerald Hector, SR. VP-Administration & Finance, UCF
  • Karen Irwin, President & COO, Universal Orlando Resort
  • Mark Tester, Executive Director, Orange County Convention Center
  • Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

County Appointed Ex-Officio Directors:

  • *Evelyn Cardenas, CEO & President, Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Inc.
  • *Nicole Wilson, Commissioner, District 1, Orange County Government

General Counsel:

  • William T. Dymond, Chairman, Lowndes

*Pending Board of County Commissioners approval.

As we embark on this exciting new year, I’m eager to work alongside Barb and our 2025 Board of Directors to propel Visit Orlando and our tourism community to new heights. Happy New Year!

In the News

Mynews13.com: College football bowl games bring fans

Metro News (UK): I travelled to Florida to meet the Grinch – what I found was even better

Facilities & Destinations: Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program generates eecord $352,218 to support Orange County charitiess

Tampa Bay Date Night Guide: Romantic weekend getaway to Orlando: A complete itinerary