ACVA Names New President and CEO

Alexandria’s official tourism promoter has a new president and CEO — Patricia Washington from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Washington, who worked in her Philadelphia position for 12 years, will start her new position at the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Nov. 13. She is the third person to lead ACVA since it was created 13 years ago.

“We are so pleased to welcome such a dynamic and innovative leader,” said Jody Manor, chair of the ACVA Board of Governors. “Patricia is joining a strong organization and a booming tourism economy — Alexandria has seen a 22 percent growth in visitor spending in the last five years. We know it will take a truly exceptional candidate to take the power of the ACVA to the next level, and Patricia showed us she has the fire to do it.”

In Philadephia, Washington led branding initiatives such as With Art Philadelphia, a $2.5 million collaborative campaign promoting Philadelphia as a premier arts destination.

She also was the creator and publisher of Philly360, a social media-focused campaign spotlighting the city from a multicultural perspective. Washington also led the Philadelphia Neighborhood Tourism Network promoting the cultural diversity and vitality of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods through a coalition of 15 organizations.

With a grant making background that includes the William Penn Foundation and a fundraising and arts management background that includes the Painted Bride Art Center, Washington was the chief fundraiser for the GPTMC, working with its president and CEO to raise $12 million for special projects.

Former ACVA President and CEO Stephanie Pace Brown left Alexandria to take a job as a top tourism promoter in Asheville, N.C.