The City of Rochester and Experience Rochester are pleased to share that Mr. Joe Ward has been named as the incoming President of the newly forming corporation. Ward was selected following the completion of national search. He will start in the role August 5, 2019.

Ward is a hospitality, travel and tourism industry professional with a diverse background in sales, public relations, event management, and destination marketing. He has been serving as Director of the Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau in Saint Charles, Missouri since 2014. In his current role, he serves as the contract administrator of the highly successful Saint Charles Convention Center.

On a national level, Ward currently serves on the Professional Development, Sales & Services and International Research Task Force Committees for Destinations International. He is also a member of the St. Louis Sports Commission Board of Directors and the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (MACVB).

"I couldn't be more excited about joining the team. Rochester has been and continues to be known as a dynamic City and on the leading edge of economic development and placemaking initiatives. I look forward to furthering those extraordinary efforts and working with the existing teammates, Board of Directors, key community partners, community members, and the entire tourism and hospitality community," shared Ward. 

The President will direct and lead the new Rochester, Minnesota Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mayo Civic Center operations toward its mission and will work directly with the newly formed, incoming Board of Directors on policy making and strategy for the organization.

Steve Rymer, City Administrator shares, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased to welcome Joe to Rochester. We look forward to working with him as we continue with this process. We are confident that Joe will bring the needed experience, leadership, energy, and commitment to the community required to successfully fill the role of President.”

A native of Western New York and a graduate of the State University of New York College at Fredonia, Ward shares his life outside of work with his wife Sara and two young sons.

Joe Ward