Veteran DMO leader Al Hutchinson has decided not to renew his contract with Visit Baltimore, which expires June 30.
The DMO said Hutchinson has agreed to stay on in a consultant role as a hiring committee led by Board Chair Charles “Chuck” Tildon III works to name a successor.
"Serving as President & CEO of Visit Baltimore has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Hutchinson said in a press release announcing his departure. “It has been the most challenging job that I’ve ever had and also the most fulfilling. After careful consideration, I've decided to step back from full-time executive leadership to focus on other personal interests and opportunities, once my existing contract concludes. Baltimore's potential as a premier destination continues to flourish, and the foundation we've built over the past several years ensures that our city's tourism industry will continue to thrive.”
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Visit Baltimore noted the following accomplishments during Hutchinson’s tenure leading the DMO:
- Record-breaking visitation of 27.5 million visitors in 2023, with domestic travel generating $4 billion for the city's economy.
- Winning the bid to host the prestigious 2033 ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition, projected to generate $15 million-$18 million in economic impact for Baltimore.
- Establishing a Tourism Improvement District, which provides additional resources directly from the city’s hotels toward sales and marketing efforts that generate tax revenue from visitors.
- Leading a full marketing rebrand and launching "Smalltimore," an innovative mobile visitor center that showcases Baltimore's arts, history and culture.
- Fostering initiatives built on social inclusion, such as the Warm Welcome Program, BoP Pass, apprenticeships and an enduring National HBCU Scholarship.
- Securing Baltimore as the host city for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament, which generated $32.5 million in economic impact, $3.1 million in state and local taxes and created 1,315 part-time and full-time jobs in 2024. CIAA will return to Baltimore February 25-March 1 for the fifth year and is committed to the city through 2026.
Hutchinson, who has held leadership roles at Visit Mobile and Virginia Beach CVB, has also been a leading advocate and meetings industry spokesperson for diversity and inclusion.
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Transformative Vision
Tildon offered praise for the work Hutchinson accomplished.
"Al's vision and dedication have been instrumental in elevating Baltimore's profile on the national stage,” he said in the release. “Under his leadership, we've seen Baltimore transform into a destination that not only attracts significant leisure visitation but also draws marquee conventions and events that drive critical economic impact for the city. His most enduring legacy is the world-class team he has built and the collaborative culture he has fostered within the organization.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott echoed Tildon’s positive comments about Hutchinson’s tenure, noting his dedication to strengthening community partnerships with local artists, makers and visionaries.
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“Under Al’s transformative leadership, Baltimore’s tourism industry has thrived, bringing visitors, investment and new opportunities to our city,” Scott said. “We are grateful for Al’s many contributions to Baltimore. His commitment to telling positive, community-focused stories that showcase the breadth and diversity of our neighborhoods has set the stage for a bright future."
