Executive Director

Overview

Review of candidates will begin immediately, and the application window will close at midnight PST on Monday, March 30, 2026. Applications, inquiries, and nominations should be sent to  Travel Oregon is a public entity, and the recruitment process and applications may be subject to disclosure under applicable requirements of Oregon laws governing public records and public meetings.

More information about this opportunity can be found here.

The Executive Director serves as the agency’s chief executive, accountable for the overall performance and impact of Travel Oregon. This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across all agency programs; oversees public resources; advances destination stewardship; and builds statewide partnerships with public, private, Tribal, and community stakeholders to deliver economic, social, and environmental value for Oregon. This highly visible role administers the agency under the Commission approved strategic plan and biennial budget and within the authority of ORS 284 and in partnership with other state economic development related agencies.

Over the last few decades, Travel Oregon has helped propel the state as a top tourist destination on the West Coast. As a pivotal leader in Oregon’s economic development ecosystem, this next leader will need to be an effective partner with state and industry leaders, fostering strong working relationships and aligning priorities as they continue to deepen tourism volume and spend across all state regions and seasons.

The Executive Director navigates complex, sensitive, and time critical issues with statewide impact on Oregon’s economy and Oregonian communities and quality of life. This leader will need to ensure transparent, consistent communication, as a semi-independent agency, aligned with and accountable to state and public partners.

Strategy, Governance & Policy

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of the Commission-approved strategic plan; ensure alignment of agency policy, people, and resources to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Oregon Tourism Commission and State of Oregon; provide timely analysis, reports, and recommendations to inform Commission and state policy decision makers.
• Administer the agency consistent with Governor and Commission direction and authority provided in ORS 284, cultivating Oregon’s tourism industry as an integral part of the state’s economic development strategy.

Financial Stewardship & Operations

• Direct biennial budget forecasting, development, approval, and administration (approx. $90M biennial; $42.8M in 2025), ensuring rigorous compliance, transparency, and accountability.
• Oversee effective agency operations, including internal controls, procurement, and contracting, with a focus on efficiency and public trust.

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Build and lead a cohesive executive team; set clear expectations and foster an inclusive, collaborative, accountable culture across a statewide hybrid workforce.
• Ensure cross-departmental integration, decision quality, and proactive, transparent Executive Director communication with internal and external audiences.
• Champion Travel Oregon’s stewardship lenses, community agreements, equity and inclusion, and applicable affirmative action obligations in all programs and practices.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate executive leaders; ensure continuous talent development and engagement at all levels.

External Relations & Partnerships

• Represent Travel Oregon with the Legislature, industry, Tribal Nations, DMOs, local governments, community organizations, and professional associations; expand partnerships that advance the strategic plan and destination stewardship statewide with an equitable balance between regions, cities, and rural communities.
• Serve as an effective public speaker and spokesperson; communicate priorities, outcomes, and challenges clearly to build trust and alignment.

Performance, Learning & Accountability

• Establish enterprise KPIs, program metrics, and learning systems; monitor performance and report results to the Commission and…