Choose Chicago, the city's official destination marketing organisation, has appointed Meryl Press Vissel to the newly created role of Vice President of Communications & Content. She will take up the position on 31 August, overseeing the organisation's communications, media relations, and social media functions.
Vissel joins from the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, where she led corporate communications. Her background spans more than a decade across tourism, hospitality, and real estate, including a stint at Hudson Pacific Properties and early career experience with Cunard, part of Carnival Corporation.
Strengthening Chicago's global appeal
The appointment is part of Choose Chicago's strategy to reinforce the city's standing as a premier destination for leisure and business travel. Vissel's team will focus on telling the stories of the people, places, and experiences that define Chicago, from its lakefront and architecture to its culinary and cultural scenes.
Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Nucci said: "Under her leadership, we'll tell Chicago's story with more force and more consistency than ever." Nucci emphasised the importance of a cohesive narrative across all channels, particularly as competition among global cities intensifies.
Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago, highlighted Vissel's international perspective and her experience with major events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. "We could not be more excited to have her leadership and vision guiding our team," Reynolds said.
Vissel expressed her enthusiasm for the role: "I'm honoured to join Choose Chicago and help share what makes the city so compelling with audiences around the world."
Choose Chicago is responsible for promoting the city as a global tourism and meetings destination. The organisation attracts over 55 million visitors annually, generating more than $20 billion (£15 billion) in economic impact. The city's meetings and convention sector remains a key driver, with venues like McCormick Place hosting major industry events.
The move comes as destination marketing organisations increasingly invest in content and digital engagement to reach travellers. Vissel's background in both corporate communications and destination promotion positions her to lead that effort in Chicago.
Her appointment also reflects a broader trend of senior talent moving between major US destination marketing organisations. For travel professionals, the shift signals Chicago's intent to sharpen its messaging as it competes for both leisure and business travellers.
Vissel's experience with large-scale events will be particularly valuable as Chicago looks to host major conferences and sporting events in the coming years. The city has been proactive in bidding for high-profile gatherings, and a strong communications strategy is essential to winning those opportunities.
Industry observers will be watching how Vissel's team integrates traditional media relations with digital content and social media to amplify Chicago's story. The appointment is effective at the end of August, and she will report directly to the CEO.
