The head of the Charlotte region’s tourism efforts announced Wednesday he plans to retire by the end of the year.
Tom Murray, the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, has been in that role for 11 years.
“Leading the CRVA over the past 11 years has truly been the pinnacle of my career,” Murray says in a statement. “As the trusted leader of Charlotte’s visitor economy, the CRVA shapes millions of experiences day in and day out, uniquely enriching the lives of the millions of visitors and Charlotteans who call our city home.”
Murray went on to say the Visitors Authority is on track from a strong fiscal year, which will be record-breaking for some venues and brands.
“While there’s still much work to be done, I have full confidence in our leadership team and am certain that the timing is right,” says Murray.
Visitors Authority board chair Boris Bunich will lead a search committee for the next CEO. The committee will include members of the board’s executive committee, according to the release.
“Tom’s retirement will mark the end of a remarkable period of growth for the CRVA,” said Bunich. “Under his leadership, Charlotte has recovered from the devastating effects of the pandemic, faster than many other destinations in the U.S. Through his guidance, the CRVA built up a strong fund balance reserve, preparing the organization to weather the turbulent effects of the pandemic even before it took place.”