Visit Baltimore Appoints President and CEO

Visit Baltimore, the city's convention and visitor's bureau, has announced that interim president and CEO Kireem Swinton will now head the organization on a permanent basis. Swinton has been with Visit Baltimore since 2017, serving in such roles as director of sales, and vice president of sales and customer experience. He previously held senior positions at Visit Seattle and Marriott International. 

In July 2025, Swinton was appointed interim president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, after former president and CEO Al Hutchinson decided to step down from the organization and pursue other interests following eight years at the helm.

"The board has full confidence that Kireem is the ideal leader to guide Visit Baltimore into its next chapter," said Chuck Tildon, vice president of external affairs at the University of Maryland Medical System and chair of the CVB's board. "During his time as interim president and CEO, Kireem demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our industry and an unwavering commitment to Baltimore. His efforts have been crucial in maintaining our city's trajectory as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. We are thrilled to make his appointment permanent."

Swinton is credited with helping to secure major events for the city, including the American Society of Association Executives' 2033 Annual Meeting & Exposition, and the extension of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's tournament through 2029.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to permanently lead this talented team and represent a city I care so deeply about," said Swinton. "Baltimore is a city of resilience, innovation and rich culture, and its story is one I am proud to tell. I look forward to continuing our work with city partners and community members to amplify our positive narratives, attract new and repeat visitors, citywide conventions and ensure that tourism benefits every corner of our great city."