VISIT Milwaukee Names New President / CEO

After a nationwide search, VISIT Milwaukee today named Paul Upchurch as its new president & CEO. The announcement was made by VISIT Milwaukee chairperson Lynda Kohler at this morning's board of directors meeting at the Milwaukee Hilton.

Upchurch joins VISIT Milwaukee after some 30 years in the hospitality and tourism industry, including five years (2001-2005) as vice president of hotel operations with Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels and Resorts. He most recently held the position of chief operating officer for Chicago-based TCA Holdings, operator of private sports resorts and clubs in the United States and Canada.

"Paul brings to the position a long and successful track record in the hospitality and tourism industry," said Kohler. "Working with staff, our board and industry partners, we're confident that Paul's leadership will help us grow our regional tourism economy and bring it to the next level."

Upchurch said he's excited about the opportunity to return to Milwaukee in his new capacity. "As a Midwesterner, my five years working in Milwaukee stand out as the most memorable," he said. "It's an honor for me to join this outstanding tourism marketing organization and work to grow our convention, meetings and leisure travel business for the region."

Upchurch holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He and his wife Cindy have two children, Stephanie, 21 and Eric, 18.

VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.7 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2008 and supported about 66,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Midwest Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, the Spirit of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.