Media Contact:
Kelly Bassett / Director of Marketing & Communications / 480-305-1372 / [email protected]
Tempe, Ariz. (June 16, 2022) – The Tempe Tourism Office recently announced Michael Martin has been named the organization’s president and CEO. Martin, who has served as interim president and CEO for the last eight months, succeeds Brian McCartin who retired from the position in September 2021 after nearly four years at the organization.
“Michael brings a wealth of experience to his role and a proven commitment to successfully promoting Tempe as a preferred destination for meetings, events and tourism,” said Kate Borders, Tempe Tourism Office Board Chair and president of Downtown Tempe Authority. “He has an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the local market, which will continue to benefit our community as we experience consistent growth in a post-pandemic economy.”
During Martin’s 29 years at the Tempe Tourism Office, his responsibilities have included group sales, travel trade networking, special event management, sponsorship recruitment, consumer marketing strategies, and acquiring grant funding.
As president and CEO, Martin is responsible for setting the organization’s strategic goals, working with the 21-member board of directors, managing relationships with Tempe City Council and City staff, developing the annual budget, negotiating contracts, and overseeing a staff of 11 full-time employees.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next president and CEO of the Tempe Tourism Office,” said Martin. “Having served nearly 30 years in the industry with this organization, I am thrilled to lead our dedicated team and eager to continue the work of our past leaders in making a significant positive impact for our city. I would like to thank the City of Tempe, and the Tempe Tourism Office board of directors and staff for their continued support.”
Martin is a member of the ASU Alumni Association, Destination Marketing Association West, U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He has served on the boards for the ASU Art Museum Creative Impact, the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Alliance for Audience.
An Arizona native, Martin graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management with an emphasis in Tourism Marketing.
Martin is the fourth president and CEO to lead the organization following McCartin, Stephanie Nowack and Sandy Hecomovich, who founded the organization in 1988.
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The Tempe Tourism Office is a non-profit organization devoted to marketing Tempe, Arizona as a desirable visitor and group destination. To learn more visit www.tempetourism.com.
