06/23/2025

Destination Dayton President & CEO Jacquelyn Powell Announces her Retirement

She has served the CVB for 32 years

After 32 years of exceptional leadership and dedicated service to her hometown, Jacquelyn "Jacquie" Powell, president & CEO of Destination Dayton, has announced her retirement, marking the end of a remarkable era in Montgomery County's tourism and hospitality industry.

Powell has led Montgomery County's destination marketing organization with passion, vision, and unwavering commitment. During her tenure, she has helped to elevate Dayton and Montgomery County as a vibrant destination for leisure, business and group travel. Under her leadership, Destination Dayton achieved transformational milestones, forged strong community partnerships, and delivered measurable economic impact through innovative tourism and hospitality initiatives.

"It has been the honor of my life to serve the community I love," said Powell. "When I reflect on the last 32 years, I feel immense gratitude—for the people I've worked alongside, the partners who believed in our vision, and the visitors who came to discover everything Dayton and Montgomery County have to offer. Together, we've built something truly special—a resilient, creative and thriving destination brand that reflects the heart of our region. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished, and I'm equally excited for what lies ahead for Destination Dayton and the community."

Powell began her career in hotel and private club sales and marketing in Dayton and Cincinnati before taking the helm at Destination Dayton. Over 30 years, her strategic insight and industry expertise helped attract major events, boost visitor spending, and strengthen Dayton's identity as a tourism and business destination.

In 2023 alone, tourism in Montgomery County generated $2.6 billion in total economic impact, including $1.6 billion in direct visitor spending—a 4 percent increase from the previous year. The sector supported more than 22,750 jobs and fueled $709 million in labor income.

"Jacquie's leadership has had a profound and lasting impact on this region," said Scott DeBolt, chair of the Destination Dayton Board of Trustees and executive director of the University of Dayton Arena. "She has been a tireless advocate for Dayton, building Destination Dayton into a trusted and influential organization. Her ability to bring people together, her deep industry knowledge, and her passion for our community have elevated the entire region. We are incredibly grateful for her decades of service and leadership."

Beyond her role at Destination Dayton, Powell has contributed her expertise and leadership to numerous boards and initiatives, including:

• Board of Trustees, United States Air & Trade Show, Inc. (supporting the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show)
• Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority
• Quality-of-life Review Panel, Dayton Development Coalition's Priority Development & Advocacy Council (PDAC)
• Governor's Task Force for the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center
• Former leadership roles with the Buckeye Trails Girl Scout Council
• Dayton Rotary Club member and Paul Harris Fellow

Powell's influence has also extended to statewide and national policy. She is a past president of the Ohio Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus and served on the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism's Advisory Council. She is a respected member of key industry organizations including Destinations International, the U.S. Travel Association and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She was once a member of the Ohio Society of Association Professionals (OSAP), as well.

"At its core, destination marketing is about people and pride of place," added Powell. "It's about capturing the spirit of a community and inviting others to experience it. I've been honored to share Dayton and Montgomery County's story with the world—to highlight what makes us special, resilient, and worth visiting. Watching this region grow and shine has been one of the greatest privileges of my career."

Details about the transition and the search for new leadership will be announced in the coming weeks. Powell will remain in her role through December 2025 to ensure a smooth transition and support the organization during this pivotal moment of change.

As Dayton and Montgomery County's destination marketing organization, Destination Dayton collaboratively leads and advocates for the development of the region's visitor economy, which contributes to a thriving community, a diverse tax base and lifestyle amenities for everyone to enjoy.