CEO

Lead the Future of One of the South's Most Vibrant Destinations

Fayetteville, Arkansas, is more than a destination-it's a place where authenticity and community pride create an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents alike. As home to the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks, Fayetteville thrives with a passionate sports culture, diverse culinary scene, live music, theatre, and world-class outdoor recreation. Nestled in the stunning Ozark Mountains, the city offers unparalleled cycling trails, green spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere that make it a standout destination.

Experience Fayetteville, the city's official destination marketing organization, is dedicated to elevating the quality of life for the community through tourism promotion, partnerships, and programs. The organization is seeking a visionary CEO to lead a team of 24 professionals and oversee an annual operating budget of $6 million. The CEO will drive visitation, enhance tourism assets, and ensure sustainable growth that benefits both visitors and residents.

The Role
The CEO will lead a talented team, collaborating with local businesses, civic leaders, and stakeholders to implement innovative marketing strategies that position Fayetteville as a premier leisure, sports, and events destination. This leader will advocate for tourism investment, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure that tourism enhances the local economy while preserving the city's unique character.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader with expertise in destination marketing, economic impact strategies, and stakeholder engagement. This individual will champion Fayetteville's growth while ensuring tourism efforts align with the values and priorities of the community.

Key Priorities:

• Drive Visitation
  • Implement data-driven marketing to attract more visitors, increase spending, and extend stays.
• Bring out the Best
  • Elevate Fayetteville's signature events, outdoor recreation, sports, and entertainment offerings to solidify its standing as a premier travel destination.
• Keep Community at the Heart 
  • Ensure that tourism growth strengthens local businesses, supports entrepreneurs, artists, and makers, and enhances the overall experience for residents.
• Inspire Responsible Investment
  • Advocate for strategic development of tourism-related infrastructure, including sports, meeting, and recreation facilities.
• Build Organizational Effectiveness
  • Lead with innovation, transparency, and best practices to ensure long- term sustainability and success.

The Opportunity
With an estimated 7.1 million visitors in 2022 contributing $600 million in local spending, Fayetteville's tourism industry is thriving. The next CEO will harness this momentum, leveraging Fayetteville's outdoor adventure, SEC sports, entertainment, and community-driven hospitality to create long-term, sustainable tourism success.

If you are a proven leader with a track record of driving economic impact through tourism, experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and dynamic teams, and the ability to foster strong relationships, we invite you to apply.