1 November, 2015 - The Executive Committee of the Board of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has named Julie Coker Graham the new president and CEO of the organization. She will assume the role in January 2016, following the retirement of current President and CEO, Jack Ferguson. In June 2014, Coker Graham was promoted to Executive Vice President of the PHLCVB as part of a strategic succession plan that allowed her to continue leading the organization's convention sales efforts, while expanding her responsibilities to include overseeing all of the organization's departments and operational duties.

“Julie Coker Graham is a talented, experienced and respected professional and her hard work and dedication to Philadelphia during her tenure at the PHLCVB has been pivotal to the city's continued recognition as a first-choice destination for all visitors,” said Nick DeBenedictis, PHLCVB chairman. “I have great confidence that she is the right leader to build upon the successes of Jack Ferguson and maintain the PHLCVB's reputation as one of the most recognizable destination marketing organizations in the country.”

Philadelphia is the 5th largest city in the U.S. and as the official tourism promotion agency for Philadelphia globally, the PHLCVB has helped move the city from from 21st to 15th place in ranking of overseas visitation. Coker Graham will work to continue this momentum with new and innovative sales and marketing initiatives, including a focus on emerging target markets. Her efforts will be supported by Brian Said, PHLCVB Executive Director of Tourism and the PHLCVB's six representation firms covering 10 international markets.

“It is a great honour to be assuming the position of PHLCVB President & CEO. On the heels of a successful visit by Pope Francis in September, Philadelphia's star continues to rise across the globe and it is an extremely exciting time to be taking the reins,” said Coker Graham said. “I look forward to sharing Philadelphia's story with the world.”

“Julie is moving into this position at a time when travellers from around the world are becoming increasingly interested in Philadelphia. She is a well-respected leader, adept at fostering important relationships and we look forward to having her at the helm as we interface with tour operators, travel agents and airlines in our key markets,” said Brian Said.

Coker Graham is a 21-year Hyatt Hotel Corporation veteran and will be the only female African-American president & CEO in the top 50 U.S. markets. She will attend World Travel Market where she will meet with UK media and key travel trade at various events and at PHLCVB booth, NA350-J2, ahead of the start of her new role.

EDITORS NOTE: Full bio and high-res photo of Julie Coker Graham are available upon request.