A 24-year hospitality-industry veteran, Kireem Swinton has been appointed by the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board (a.k.a. Visit Baltimore) to serve as the organization's permanent president and CEO. Swinton had been serving as interim president and CEO of the organization since July 2025.
Following 11 years in sales and marketing at Marriott properties and a five-year stint with Visit Seattle, Swinton became a central part of Visit Baltimore’s leadership team in 2017 as vice president of sales & customer experience.
“He has been instrumental in securing major events, including the 2033 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition and the extension of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament through 2029,” said a Visit Baltimore media release.
Chuck Tildon, chair of the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board, added, "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..
Swinton's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Baltimore’s tourism industry, which has seen significant growth and success in recent years. In 2024, the city welcomed 28.5 million visitors, resulting in $4.3 billion in spending.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to permanently lead this talented team and represent a city I care so deeply about," Swinton said. "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, city-wide conventions and ensure that tourism benefits every corner of our great city."
