12/01/2025

John Oney Named New Destination Dayton President & CEO

His service begins Dec. 15

The Destination Dayton^® Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of John Oney as its new president & CEO of Destination Dayton, effective Dec. 15.

"The board is thrilled to welcome John and confident in his leadership as we move into an exciting new chapter for our organization," said Board Chair Scott DeBolt.

Oney will succeed outgoing President & CEO Jacquelyn Powell, who will retire after more than 30 years with the organization. Oney has worked in the hospitality industry for more than three decades, and currently serves as the vice president, sports & meetings for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge where he has been responsible for developing group sales strategies that create economic impact in the form of sporting events, meetings and conventions. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the region's official destination marketing organization promoting the counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, as well as the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

The new president & CEO was selected by a special Destination Dayton board of directors selection committee led by DeBolt. The efforts included a national search with recognized hospitality industry executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global.

"We look forward to partnering with John and the entire team as we continue advancing our mission," DeBolt added. "Dayton is a premier tourism destination—rooted in a rich history of innovation, shaped by a culturally vibrant quality of life, and poised for an exciting and promising future."

"Dayton, Ohio is renowned for being the Birthplace of Aviation, but it's also recognized for welcoming communities, innovative partnerships, and a genuine spirit of hospitality," said Oney. "I'm thrilled and honored to join the exceptional team at Destination Dayton as the next president & CEO. I am excited to begin working with the board, partners and the team to inspire tourism in all its forms. Together, we will continue to elevate our brand and visitor economy that support our communities in so many beneficial ways."

Prior to relocating to Roanoke, Oney served as the director of sales at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida; national golf sales manager for Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, Florida, and sales & event representative for Visit Central Florida/Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing.

He is active in the tourism industry and previously served as board president for Convention Sales Professional International (CSPI) and was honored with the Shawn Corwin Myland-Award (2021). He is a certified Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) through Sports ETA and currently working through his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation. He is a proud graduate of Leadership Roanoke Valley (LRV) Class of 2023. Oney graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreation Park Management with a focus in Professional Golf Management.

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.