Central Florida's Tourism Association Welcomes Five New Community and Business Leaders to 2025 Board of Directors 

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ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2025) – At its annual End-of-Year Celebration in December, Visit Orlando announced the appointment of Barb Bowden as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026. Previously serving as Chair-Elect, Bowden will now lead strategic guidance and act as a key advisor to Visit Orlando—a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to branding, marketing and selling the Orlando destination globally. The organization represents over 1,600 member companies across every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

“Barb brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to her role as Board Chair,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando. “Together, we will advance Visit Orlando’s mission of driving tourism, fostering innovation, and delivering economic impact to our region.” 

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

Bowden is currently the Area Managing Director for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, where she previously served as Managing Director for Loews Sapphire Falls Resort and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. She spent 27 years at The Peabody Orlando, rising to the position of Vice President/General Manager. Bowden also actively contributes to the hospitality industry through additional roles with the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Rosen College Dean’s Advisory Board, among others. 

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue what Terry Prather and the many legacy leaders before him started,” said Bowden. "Looking ahead, global competition for visitors is intense and growing, so we want to be even more strategic and customized in our sales and marketing efforts to maintain Orlando’s spot as a top travel and meetings destination. As one of our country’s leading Destination Marketing Organizations, we must continue to innovate and create new opportunities to showcase the breadth and diversity of Orlando. Lastly, I want to ensure our community understands what we do and the value of tourism.” 

Visit Orlando, which was established in 1984, is governed by a 36-member Board of Directors comprising representatives from diverse sectors, including government, tourism and community leadership. The organization also maintains a separate Audit and Oversight Committee comprised of board members and independent community volunteers from the financial field. 

In August 2023, Visit Orlando released the annual economic impact report for the industry, which is generated by Tourism Economics. The report stated that tourism generated a $92.5 billion economic impact for the Orlando region, $6.6 billion in state and local tax revenue and $10,200 in annual taxes saved by Orange County households.  

Full changes and new elections to the 2025 board include: 

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

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

New Board Directors: 

  • Adam Babington, Vice President of External Affairs, Walt Disney World 

  • Trina Gregory, Owner of Se7en Bites 

  • Anne-Marie Hayward, Market President & Publisher of the Orlando Business Journal 

  • Marc Reicher, Executive Vice President/Florida Partner, For 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, For 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, SE7ENBITES 

  • 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, Dir. Economic Development, City of Orlando 

  • 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 

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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