Todd O'Leary, CDME, CTIS

Todd O’Leary is the President & CEO at Visit Alexandria, the destination marketing and management organization for Alexandria, VA. He oversees all operations for the organization, including the organization’s strategic plan, community stakeholder communications and continued efforts to strengthen Alexandria’s revenue generation, reputational excellence and resident quality of life.

Todd is a well-respected and awarded 28-year veteran of the travel and tourism industry. He began his career in the industry at Walt Disney World. His foray into destination marketing started in 1998, working his way up from an intern to director of marketing. In 2013, Todd was hired to become the vice president of global partnerships and strategic alliances for San Francisco Travel (SFT), where he launched a new partnership model that significantly grew revenues for the organization and expanded partner reach through SFT’s domestic and international promotional opportunities. In 2018, Todd joined Sonoma County Tourism (SCT), where he served as the vice president of marketing and communications. Over his tenure with SCT, Todd launched a new destination brand, grew ROI from marketing campaigns, and helped the destination navigate several crises including wildfires, floods and the global pandemic.

In 2022, Todd was recognized as one of the Top 25 ‘Extraordinary Minds’ in the industry by Hospitality, Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). His work has been recognized by the U.S. Travel Association; HSMAI; American Advertising Federation; Public Relations Society of America; and the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

Todd is very active in the industry. In addition to his Foundation board role at Destinations International, Todd is a member of the grants committee and the development committee. Additionally, Todd is a member of U.S. Travel’s ESTO advisory committee and is also a board member for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association. Todd is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Planning and Marketing. Todd holds two industry certifications – the Certified Tourism Industry Specialist (CTIS), and the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) certification.

Personally, Todd enjoys giving back to the communities he serves. He has a long history of doing so through community service projects and volunteer board roles at local nonprofits. Todd and his husband Mark enjoy gardening; entertaining; food and wine; as well as traveling the world.