Pinellas County Names Three Finalists for Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President & CEO Opening

Three finalists for the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President & CEO role were named today by Pinellas County Administrator Barry A. Burton following a nationwide recruitment led by Searchwide Global.

The finalists shortlisted to fill the vacancy include Brent DeRaad, Visit Tucson President & CEO; Tamara Pigott, Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Executive Director; and Tim Ramsberger, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s current Chief Operating Officer.

“We received a lot of high-quality interest with this incredible opportunity, and I’m very pleased with the finalists,” Burton said. “I’m excited for the community to meet all three top-notch professionals and select the next leader for a world-class destination.”

DeRaad has been in the top position at Visit Tucson since 2012, managing a $10 million budget and 40 full-time employees. Before joining Visit Tucson, DeRaad held three different positions, including Executive Vice President, from 2001-2012 with the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Pigott has led the Lee County VCB, which boasts a $20 million budget, since 2010. Prior to taking over the top job, she was the Deputy Director from 2006-2010 and also established and ran the first-ever Beach & Shoreline program for Lee County for six years.

Ramsberger has served as Chief Operating Officer for VSPC since 2016. He’s led efforts of rebuilding and rebranding the Sports Commission and Community/Brand Engagement departments, as well as guided key funding support programs, like the Capital Project Funding and Elite Event Funding programs totaling more than $80 million. Prior to joining VSPC, he spent 10 years launching and running the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

The tourism industry is invited to a meet-and-greet with the three finalists from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. RSVP to attend here.


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