By Christine Susa
Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Pasadena) welcomes destination marketing veteran Kristin McGrath as the organization’s new Executive Director.
“We are delighted to welcome Kristin McGrath as the new Executive Director of Visit Pasadena,” said 
Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company, which oversees the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Convention Center and Civic Auditorium. “Kristin has the experience and ability to lead the organization through the tourism recovery and into the future. She’ll be a great asset for the city as we continue to promote Pasadena as a world class destination.”
McGrath steps into the role of Executive Director at a critical time as the tourism industry rebuilds from COVID. In this role, McGrath will function as the chief administrative officer for the Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau and be responsible for its management, organizational development, planning, and direction.
“Pasadena is such a beautiful destination,“ McGrath said. “The vibrant downtown coupled with an exceptional convention center set Pasadena apart. I’m thrilled to join the team at this exciting time.”
McGrath brings more than 20 years in the tourism industry, specializing in destination management, sales and marketing. For the past five years, she served as the Vice President of Sales, Services & Sports at Visit Albuquerque. Prior to that, McGrath served as Vice President of Sales & Services at the Richmond Region Tourism and Vice President of Sales & Services at Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. She also held positions at Westin Copley Place Boston and the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
McGrath is a graduate of Emmanuel College in Boston and is a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME). She is active in Destinations International and currently serves as a Board Member of the Certified Destination Management Executive Program and the Professional Development Committee.
Christine Susa is Director of Marketing & Communications for Visit Pasadena.
