PRESS RELEASE: Victoria Cimino Steps Down as Visit Williamsburg CEO
Williamsburg, Virginia – January 4, 2024 – The Williamsburg Tourism Council board of directors announced Victoria Cimino’s decision to step down as CEO of Visit Williamsburg, the official destination marketing organization for Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, Virginia, effective January 2, 2024. Cimino, an industry veteran, has served in the role since April 2019, providing marketing expertise to expand market share, produce award-winning advertising campaigns, and achieve the highest hotel occupancy throughout the destination in more than a decade.
“The Williamsburg Tourism Council thanks Vicki for all she has done to establish and lead Visit Williamsburg. During her tenure, she assembled an outstanding team and led the destination through a pandemic. As a result of Visit Williamsburg, the region has realized the strongest visitation numbers in over a decade. We are grateful for her leadership and wish her well as she pursues her next endeavor,” said Ruth Larson, board chair of Williamsburg Tourism Council.
“It has been a true honor and a career highlight to serve at the helm of Visit Williamsburg,” said Cimino. “The organization has created sales and marketing programming that has driven visitation and economic impact while improving consumer awareness. I’m also incredibly grateful to the area’s hospitality industry and community partners who have assisted Visit Williamsburg in achieving its business goals over the years. I fully expect the destination to continue doing great things.”
Committed to continuing the successful momentum of the organization, the Williamsburg Tourism Council board announced that Visit Williamsburg’s Chief Sales Officer Julia Smyth-Young accepted the role of interim CEO. A national search of internal and external candidates will begin later this month.
With more than two decades of international and domestic leadership and sales experience, Smyth-Young, a University of Central Florida Hospitality Administration/Management graduate, has honed her skills working for industry leaders like Visit Orlando. Her tourism journey began at the renowned Walt Disney World. Smyth-Young is an industry leader, earning accolades that underscore her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, driven by her passion for the region.
“An experienced leader and integral part of the Visit Williamsburg team, Smyth-Young has a deep understanding of the organization and its strategy and is well-placed as interim CEO to oversee the continued execution of its goals,” explained Larson.
“I am honored to serve as interim CEO and continue the momentum of Visit Williamsburg,” said Smyth-Young. “Our focus remains on showcasing the area’s unique attractions, culture, and history, ensuring memorable experiences for the region’s visitors.”
Cimino, who will step into a new role in February, currently serves as a consultant to assist Smyth-Young with the transition.
About Visit Williamsburg
Visit Williamsburg is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia. The organization is committed to driving overnight visitation, growing/enhancing destination awareness, and supporting industry partners through its advertising, marketing, public relations, and sales programs.
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For more information, please contact:
Ruth Larson
757-603-0508 or ruth.larson@jamescitycountyva.gov
