Visit Williamsburg names new CEO

The Williamsburg Tourism Council, also known as Visit Williamsburg, has named Edward Harris its new CEO, the organization announced Wednesday.

Former CEO Victoria Cimino stepped down from the role in January after more than four years leading the destination marketing organization for Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown.

With more than two decades of marketing and tourism experience under his belt, Harris most recently served as president and CEO of Discover Lancaster in Pennsylvania. Previously, Harris worked as chief marketing officer for the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board in Pennsylvania and held positions in brand development for companies including Converse and Under Armour, according to his LinkedIn page.

Harris has a marketing degree from Saint Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania and an MBA from Boston College.

“His extensive experience and impressive qualifications in the tourism and marketing industry make him the perfect fit for this role,” Ruth Larson, chair of Visit Williamsburg, said in a news release.

Harris will begin his duties June 25.

In 2022, nearly 2 million visitors spent $941.4 million throughout the region, driving $48.5 million in travel-related tax revenue.