Kireem Swinton has been named the permanent president and CEO of Visit Baltimore after serving as the agency’s interim leader since last July. The Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board announced Swinton’s appointment on Tuesday. He succeeds Al Hutchinson, who stepped down last year. Visit Baltimore is the city’s official destination sales and marketing organization. Its mission is to attract visitors whose spending creates jobs, supports local businesses and generates revenue for the city and state. Swinton, whose appointment is effective April 1, has been part of Visit Baltimore’s leadership team since 2017. Before becoming interim president and CEO, he served as Vice President of Sales Customer Experience. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in securing major events, including the 2033 American Society of Association Executives Annual Meeting Exposition and the extension of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament through 2029.  According to the convention and tourism board, Swinton’s steady guidance as interim leader has ensured a seamless transition following Hutchinson’s departure after eight years. “The Board has full confidence that Kireem is the ideal leader to guide Visit Baltimore into its next chapter,” said board chair Chuck Tildon, in a statement. “During his time as interim President and CEO, Kireem demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our industry, and an unwavering commitment to Baltimore. His efforts have been crucial in maintaining our city’s trajectory as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. We are thrilled to make his appointment permanent.”  In 2024, Baltimore reportedly drew 28.5 million visitors, resulting in $4.3 billion in spending. As the head of Visit Baltimore, Swinton is charged with building on that success by fostering community partnerships and promoting the city’s cultural assets to a global audience. One of the region’s big tourism efforts in 2026 is SAIL250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore from June 24 to July 1, a maritime and aviation extravaganza honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.  One challenge is that several of Baltimore’s downtown hotels have either closed or shown signs of financial trouble in recent months. Mayor Brandon Scott praised Swinton’s appointment, stressing the importance of experienced leadership in the tourism sector. “Kireem has proven himself to be a dedicated and effective leader for Visit Baltimore,” the mayor said in a statement. “His commitment to our city and his expertise in the tourism industry are exactly what we need to keep attracting visitors to Baltimore. I have no doubt that under his leadership, Charm City will continue to succeed as a destination for tourists all over the country and the world.”  “I am incredibly honored and excited to permanently lead this talented team and represent a city I care so deeply about,” Swinton said in a statement. “Baltimore is a city of resilience, innovation and rich culture, and its story is one I am proud to tell. I look forward to continuing our work with city partners and community members to amplify our positive narratives, attract new and repeat visitors, city-wide conventions and ensure that tourism benefits every corner of our great city.”  ...read more read less