In September, after nearly 20 years as president and CEO of Visit Raleigh (Greater Raleigh CVB), Dennis Edwards announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2026.

A 44-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Edwards became president and CEO of Visit Raleigh in April 2007. Before taking the helm in Raleigh, N.C., he held leadership roles with several convention and visitor bureaus, including Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Houston, Texas; Palm Springs, Calif.; Culver City, Calif.; and Sioux City, Iowa.

Since beginning his role at the Bureau in 2007, Raleigh/Wake County has experienced significant growth in tourism. Hotel occupancy tax collections jumped from $14 million to over $41 million, and prepared food and beverage tax revenues have increased from $16 million to nearly $49 million. Visitation surged from 10.4 million in 2007 to 19.1 million in 2025, while visitor spending grew from $1.7 billion to $3.4 billion across the same years.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to work for such a dynamic destination with an incredibly talented staff at Visit Raleigh. Wake County has experienced unprecedented growth in tourism over the past 20 years, and the future is extremely bright for our entire hospitality community,” said Dennis Edwards.

During his leadership, the Raleigh area hosted numerous major events: the NHL All-Star Game, NHL Stadium Series, NCAA Men’s basketball tournaments, NCAA Men’s and Women’s College Cups, The Soccer Tournament, IBMA World of Bluegrass, Dreamville and GalaxyCon, among others.

Edwards oversaw the creation of the 10-year Wake County Destination Strategic Plan (DSP), which provided a foundation for the approval and development of the new Red Hat Amphitheater, Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center expansion, the 600-room Omni Raleigh Hotel and the enhancements taking place at the Lenovo Center. Wake County is currently undergoing over $2 billion in tourism infrastructure development addressing many of the priorities in the DSP. He also worked with Travel South USA and Visit North Carolina to bring the MICHELIN Guide to the Raleigh area and North Carolina.

Edwards oversees a staff of 35 with a budget of $12.5 million. He is the current chair of the N.C. Travel and Tourism Board and serves on numerous other boards including the U.S. Travel Association, N.C. Travel & Tourism Coalition, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Dix Park Conservancy and Wake County Economic Development.

“Denny is a true veteran and pioneer who began his journey in Raleigh nearly 20 years ago, dedicating himself to strategizing, advocating for and advancing tourism in Wake County. Through his passion, vision and relentless drive, Wake County has truly become a destination of choice for so many. Although Denny will be deeply missed, his greatest legacy is the pathway he created and the strong foundation he established under his leadership. His impact will continue to guide Wake County tourism forward, inspiring others to build upon his vision and carry it to even greater heights,” said Melissa Chunn, general manager at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel and chair of the Visit Raleigh/Greater Raleigh CVB Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Denny for his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment to making Wake County a destination that shines.”
 

Loren Gold named as the next president and CEO

After a unanimous vote, the Board of Directors announced in October that executive vice president Loren Gold will become Visit Raleigh's next president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Gold has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 40 years. He joined Visit Raleigh in 2005 as the director of sales and has served as executive vice president since 2007. Currently he leads the development of strategic sales and marketing programs, including brand management, market research, marketing communications, advertising, destination data and technology and public relations.

Before joining the organization, he held positions in the Washington, D.C., area as director of national sales in Wyndham International's National Sales Office and as national sales manager for Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Gold also founded City Reps Inc., the nation's first company dedicated exclusively to multiple CVB representation. He generated meeting and tradeshow business leads for bureaus in Cincinnati, Houston, Long Beach, Memphis, Minneapolis, Providence and San Jose.

“Working alongside Dennis Edwards for nearly 20 years, the board is confident Gold has the right combination of experience, leadership and vision to help the county maximize opportunities as a premier destination in the meetings and conventions, sports and leisure markets,” said Chunn. “Gold has tremendous relationships with local partners and stakeholders and is extremely well respected throughout the tourism industry. His knowledge and understanding of the industry and our community make him the perfect person for the position.”

Chunn continued, “With more than $2 billion in new tourism infrastructure under development in Wake County, it’s important that the Bureau has stability and continuity to ensure the area continues to thrive and successfully execute the DSP. This succession plan will ensure a seamless leadership transition so Visit Raleigh staff can continue their great work, bringing visitors to Wake County as the county’s hospitality industry maintains its upward momentum.”

“A tourism career is not defined by titles but by the opportunity to create meaningful community impact, build strategic relationships and help all our destination partners succeed. As I begin this new role, I am reminded that growth is driven by embracing new opportunities, staying a lifelong learner, pursuing innovation and consistently finding ways to add value. I’m deeply honored to accept this new role, energized by the opportunities ahead for Greater Raleigh and excited to help shape our destination's next chapter,” said Loren Gold. “My sincere thanks to Denny Edwards for his exceptional leadership and mentorship. Working alongside him for nearly 20 years has been a true privilege. I am equally grateful to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication inspire me every day, and to our Board of Directors for their confidence in me and their unwavering support of Wake County tourism.”

Gold will oversee the Visit Raleigh staff and carry out the remaining implementation of the DSP priorities. He will also continue to serve on the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center Commission, the Granicus Destinations (formerly Simpleview) Advisory Board and the Wake County Hospitality Alliance.