Visit Tri-Cities Begins Search for President & CEO

Michael Novakovich, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, has announced his resignation to become the CEO of Columbia Industries (Kennewick, WA). Novakovich will remain in his role with Visit Tri-Cities through July 1st. The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors has begun the process to search for Novakovich’s replacement.
 
“The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors has the greatest appreciation for Michael and the outstanding leadership he has provided the organization,” stated Corey Pearson, Visit Tri-Cities Board Chair. “Under his leadership, the organization has grown its innovation and outcomes, market reach, community and business impact, team development, program offerings, brand awareness and revenues.”
 
“We have an exceptional team that will continue advancing and enhancing our tourism industry as we undergo a search for a new CEO,” Pearson said. “We wish Michael great success leading Columbia Industries.”
 
The Visit Tri-Cities Board of Directors will conduct a nationwide search, with a hiring announcement expected sometime this summer.

In Michael’s time leading Visit Tri-Cities, the organization achieved DMAP Accreditation with “Distinction” from Destinations International; earned national recognition with a Best Idea Program Outstanding Achievement Award for innovation; and the organization was recognized as a “Trailblazer” through MMGY NextFactor’s destination assessment. Michael also led the team to nearly a full recovery of annual economic impact, $489.3 million in visitor spending in 2021, following two years of successfully navigating the pandemic in arguably the most adversely impacted industry.