Richmond Region Tourism’s Berry to retire in June

After 32 years leading regional tourism efforts, Richmond Region Tourism President and CEO Jack Berry will retire on June 30. The organization’s board has named Executive Vice President Katherine O’Donnell as his successor, effective July 1.

“The Richmond Region has enjoyed tremendous success over the past few decades on the tourism front, largely due to the unwavering support from local leaders and our incredible community,” Berry said. “I have been blessed to lead an organization full of talented and dedicated professionals — which includes the extraordinary Katherine O’Donnell — and together we share the legacy of our achievements.”

During his long tenure, Berry was instrumental in the establishment of the Greater Richmond Convention Center, which opened in 2003. In fact, Berry, a past Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year honoree, has sometimes been called “Convention Jack” to differentiate him from the former mayoral candidate and Hanover County administrator of the same name. Though the convention center is overseen by an authority, Richmond Region Tourism monitors the performance of its third-party venue and food management contractors, as well acting as the agent for sales, marketing, promotion and advertising for convention center events held more than 18 months after the booking date.

A Georgetown University graduate, Berry began his career working for the Independent Players Association, an indoor winter pro tennis circuit, before becoming a sales rep for the Norfolk Scope arena. In 1988, he moved to Richmond, where he became sales manager and later general manager of the Richmond Centre, the convention center’s forerunner. He became president and CEO of Metropolitan Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau — now Richmond Region Tourism — in 1992.

His achievements also include the passage last year of a regional tourism improvement district that generates $8 million annually for local tourism marketing and promotion. He also oversaw the creation of Richmond Region 2030, a 10-year regional master plan for tourism.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the unparalleled role Jack has played in building the thriving regional tourism industry that we all benefit from today,” said Lisa Sims, board chair for Richmond Region Tourism. “His legacy of accomplishments is unprecedented, not least of which is the incredibly strong staff he leaves to carry on the mission. Katherine O’Donnell is an experienced, knowledgeable, respected leader who is perfectly positioned to lead our region’s tourism efforts and continue the organization’s impressive trajectory. As we wish Jack all the best in his retirement, we also celebrate Katherine’s new role.” 

O’Donnell joined Richmond Region Tourism in 2002. Before being named the organization’s second-ranking executive in 2018 with responsibility for day-to-day operations, her previous positions included serving as director of marketing and vice president of community relations. A native of Winston-Salem North Carolina, she holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond and is a certified destination management executive.