Arlington, Texas, CVB Names Brent DeRaad New President and CEO

The Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau in Texas has announced that Brent DeRaad, current president and CEO of Visit Tucson, will take over as head of the organization beginning on Dec. 6. DeRaad will replace Ron Price, who led the Arlington CVB from 2013 to May 2021, and now serves as president and CEO of Visit Phoenix. 

"The executive committee, board of directors and search committee, spearheaded by SearchWide Global, reviewed numerous talented candidates during this months-long process. It was clear, based on experience and an understanding of the tourism industry, that Brent was the right person for the position, and we look forward to welcoming him to Arlington," said Rob Matwick, executive vice president of business operations for MLB's Texas Rangers, and chair of the Arlington CVB board of directors.

DeRaad brings more than 20 years of hospitality leadership, sales and marketing experience to his new role with the Arlington CVB. He spent nearly 10 years at Visit Tucson, where he managed a $10 million annual budget and was responsible for the city's 16,000 hotel rooms. DeRaad also served as the executive vice president of Experience Scottsdale and as director of communications for Visit Phoenix.

He is board president of the Destination Marketing Association of the West, immediate past board chair of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, and a member of the Arizona Governor's Tourism Advisory Council. He plans to relocate to Arlington in the coming weeks.

"I am honored to lead the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau and to take the baton from Ron Price. The CVB's knowledgeable staff, city leaders, industry stakeholders and I will work together to continue the growth and impact of the organization and the city as we move into the future," said DeRaad. "Arlington is a top sports, leisure and business destination and I look forward to being a part of its continued success."