Meet Charles
Charles Harris is the Chief Operating Officer at Visit Orlando, where he oversees the organization's internal operations and ensures the seamless execution of the organization's strategic plans and annual business plans, ensuring alignment with the Visit Orlando's mission, vision and values. His role includes direct management of Digital & Data Strategy, Human Resources and Finance & Business Affairs teams which includes IT and Market Research and Insights.
Before joining Visit Orlando, Charles served as President & Chief Executive Officer at RSCVA / Reno Tahoe, leading a team of 120 full-time employees. Under his leadership, the organization achieved record-setting monthly room tax revenue totals and generated unprecedented direct visitor spending.
Charles also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer/Executive Vice President Public Affairs at Visit Anaheim, where he created and executed comprehensive marketing plans encompassing social media, communications, community relations, and business intelligence, leading to over 100 marketing industry accolades.
Other previous positions include executive experience at Luxe Hotels and Experian Interactive, and work in communications and community development with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Anaheim Ducks, respectively.
An award-winning leader, Charles has been recognized in The BizBash 500 as one of the most influential event professionals and has earned numerous awards, including the Catalyst Award: Momentum by Smart Meetings. He has also served on various boards, including the US Travel, Nevada State Tourism Board, and Destinations International CDME Board of Directors.
A Chicago native, Charles went to high school and college in California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Irvine.
