Little Rock Convention And Visitors Bureau President Ceo Steps Down To Assume National Role

Little Rock (January 26, 2022) – After more than 20 years with the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau (LRCVB), President & CEO, Gretchen Hall announced she will be departing the organization in late March. At Tuesday’s Advertising & Promotion (A&P) Commission meeting, Hall said, “this is truly a bittersweet moment. I am so honored and grateful for the opportunity to have led this incredible organization for the past 10+ years.”

Hall went on to say, “The work of LRCVB transforms our city in many ways. From driving huge economic impact through travel spending, to advancing the quality-of-life offerings for our residents through the management of our event facilities along with investments in infrastructure and destination marketing. The past two years have been incredibly difficult for our industry, but I truly feel Little Rock’s tourism sector is poised for a rapid rebound and extraordinary future. The current strategic planning and destination master plan project that has just kicked off will further articulate future opportunities, strategies to achieve them, and continue to build upon our great foundation. After 20 years with LRCVB I feel it is time for me to step aside and take on a new challenge. I am very proud of our accomplishments and know that this dedicated team will continue to do amazing work at LRCVB.”

Gretchen joined the organization in 2001 in the Event Operations Division and was named the President and CEO in 2011.

Jim Keet, Chairman of the Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission noted, “Gretchen has done an exemplary job as President & CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has led the team through the major renovation of the Robinson Auditorium, upgrades to the Statehouse Convention Center, and the acquisition of the Cromwell building. Most recently she led the LRCVB through the Covid crisis for the past two years, which has been the most challenging time for the hotel and restaurant industry in history. Gretchen has also served as the Board Chair of the industry’s national association which reflects the high esteem she has earned from her peers across the country. She has led the LRCVB with excellence and has done an outstanding job of collaborating with the A&P Commission, the City of Little Rock, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and other CVBs across the state. She will be missed but we wish her the best in her exciting new opportunity. We are working diligently to craft the transitional plan to ensure the long term success of the CVB.”

Hall is leaving to join the team at Destinations International (DI) as their new Chief Operating Officer. In this role she will oversee the marketing, communications, membership, partnership and global development divisions.

Hall will continue to serve as LRCVB’s President & CEO until March 22, 2022.