NEW YORK CITY TOURISM + CONVENTIONS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION

Julie Coker to Depart NYC Tourism + Conventions to Become President and CEO of Visit California

Charles Flateman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, to Lead Search for Next President and CEO as Organization Maintains Strong Tourism Momentum

New York City (June 26, 2026) — New York City Tourism + Conventions, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, today announced that President and CEO Julie Coker will depart the organization to serve as President and CEO of Visit California, beginning in October. Coker will remain in her role through August 31to ensure a seamless transition and continuity across organizational priorities.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Board of Directors by Charles Flateman, Board Chair and Executive Vice President of The Shubert Organization.

“Julie Coker has been an exceptional leader for NYC Tourism + Conventions,” said Flateman. “She has strengthened New York City’s position as one of the world’s most iconic destinations, advanced a disciplined global sales strategy, and guided the organization through a period of strong recovery, growth, and operational transformation. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and wish her continued success.”

“While Julie and I have only had the opportunity to work together for a few short months, it has been clear from day one why she is so highly respected across the tourism industry,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “The success of New York City’s World Cup efforts to date reflects the strong foundation she helped build with partners across government, business, and communities throughout the five boroughs. Her leadership and collaboration helped make possible the City’s additional $4.5 million investment in welcoming the world to New York and ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors alike benefit from this historic opportunity. “Julie arrived in New York with an exceptional record of leadership and results, and she quickly made a meaningful impact on our city’s tourism industry. Her appointment to lead Visit California reflects the reputation she has earned throughout her career and the confidence the industry places in her leadership. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I thank her for her service and wish her every success in this next chapter.”

“Serving as President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions has been an extraordinary privilege,” said Coker. “New York City is unlike anywhere else in the world, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together – across our Board, staff, industry partners, stakeholders, and multiple city administrations in all five boroughs. We have an incredible story to tell the world, and I am deeply grateful for the people and communities who continue to support our organization’s work and make this industry so special. New York City’s tourism industry is resilient, dynamic, and truly unmatched in its cultural and economic impact.”

Since joining NYC Tourism + Conventions, Julie Coker has strengthened organizational focus, enhanced alignment across teams and partners, and sharpened execution across key priorities. Over the past 18 months, she has:

Refined the organization’s global sales strategy and international footprint to better align resources with priority markets and business objectives

Strengthened relationships with travel trade, media, convention, and tourism partners across key domestic and international markets, working closely with city leadership and industry stakeholders

Deepened collaboration across all five boroughs, including with hospitality, cultural institutions, attractions, and the convention and events ecosystem

Advanced integrated sales, marketing, and communications initiatives supporting New York City’s tourism economy and long-term competitiveness

Elevated New York City’s global visibility through targeted campaigns, strategic storytelling, and high-impact industry engagement

The Search Committee has begun the process of identifying and selecting, in accordance with the NYC Tourism bylaws, the organization's next President and CEO. The Board’s officers will serve as the Search Committee: Charles Flateman, Chair (The Shubert Organization, Inc.); John Calvelli, Vice Chair (Wildlife Conservation Society); Melba Wilson, Vice Chair (Melba's Restaurants); Dan Nadeau, Treasurer (New York Marriott Marquis); and Sofia Vandaele, Secretary (InterContinental New York Barclay).

New York City’s tourism industry continues to serve as one of the City’s most significant economic engines supporting 400,000 jobs and more than $7 billion in tax revenue across all five boroughs. In 2025, the city welcomed approximately 65 million visitors who generated $55.6 billion in direct visitor spending, underscoring the scale and importance of the sector.

About NYC Tourism + Conventions
New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) and convention and visitors bureau (CVB) for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses and visitors. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.