Julie Coker Departing NYC Tourism + Conventions to Lead Visit California

Julie Coker, the former head of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau who took over in New York City for longtime CEO Fred Dixon, is leaving the city’s destination marketing organization (DMO) to lead Visit California. She will start as President and CEO of Visit California beginning in October.

No successor to Coker has been named yet. Charles Flateman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, will lead the search for a replacement.

“Julie Coker has been an exceptional leader for NYC Tourism + Conventions,” said Flateman. “She has strengthened New York City’s position as one of the world’s most iconic destinations, advanced a disciplined global sales strategy, and guided the organization through a period of strong recovery, growth, and operational transformation. We are deeply grateful for her leadership and wish her continued success.”

“While Julie and I have only had the opportunity to work together for a few short months, it has been clear from day one why she is so highly respected across the tourism industry,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “The success of New York City’s World Cup efforts to date reflects the strong foundation she helped build with partners across government, business, and communities throughout the five boroughs.”

Coker leaves behind a visitor economy that remains a primary engine for the city’s financial health. According to the latest annual data from NYC Tourism + Conventions, New York City welcomed 65 million visitors, driving $55.6 billion in direct visitor spending and generating a massive $84.7 billion in total economic impact. This economic activity directly supports roughly 397,000 jobs across the five boroughs, while yielding $7.5 billion in state and local tax revenue.