PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Abbey Hunton as vice president of communications. With more than 15 years of experience in communications strategy, media relations, and executive and crisis communications, she will shape and steward the organization’s public voice, media presence, and communications strategy for years to come.
Joining amid the FIFA World Cup 26™, Hunton takes the lead of the communications team at a time when the international tourism spotlight shines bright on Philadelphia. In her new role, she will collaborate with PHLCVB leadership, partners—including the Pennsylvania Convention Center—local media, and international agencies to elevate the organization’s visibility and influence in Philadelphia and on the global stage.
“Over the course of her career, Abbey has established herself as an expert in communications strategy, media relations, storytelling, and team leadership, which made her the ideal choice to lead the PHLCVB communications team into the future,” said Joe Heller, PHLCVB chief marketing officer. “Abbey’s leadership and strategic vision will be pivotal in cementing the PHLCVB’s public profile as a preeminent leader in meetings, conventions, sporting events, and international tourism.”
As vice president of communications, Hunton will serve as strategist, spokesperson, and media liaison, ensuring the PHLCVB is positioned as the global authority on Philadelphia tourism, while maintaining its influence in the local tourism and hospitality sector. She will also serve as a key collaborator with partner organizations across the city and state, working to elevate the city’s brand and bring visitors to Philadelphia for both business events and international leisure travel. In this role, Hunton will also focus on enhancing the profile of the PHLCVB business divisions: PHL Sports, PHL Life Sciences, and PHL Diversity.
“I am honored to join the PHLCVB and to be leading a team focused on enhancing Philadelphia’s presence as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and international tourism at such an important time for the city and the PHLCVB,” said Hunton. “I look forward to collaborating closely with partners and members of the media, locally and abroad, to enhance brand awareness, highlight the positive impact of tourism in the city, and showcase the vibrant culture that makes Philadelphia one-of-a-kind.
”Hunton has spent more than a decade and a half in the health care, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, with a specific focus on integrated communications strategy and media relations. With a portfolio of press coverage in local outlets, including The Philadelphia Inquirer and WHYY, and nationally in The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, and TIME, Hunton is a seasoned media relations expert, adept at building relationships and telling compelling stories that come to life for the audience.
Prior to joining the PHLCVB, Hunton served as vice president of marketing & communications for the Alzheimer’s Association (DE, NJ, PA) and news director for the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Hunton holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from Elizabethtown College.
About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination and the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and by attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community, as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national, and international convention, sporting event, and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for increasing the number of international leisure visitors to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com. For high-resolution photos and videos, story starters, press trip information, and more, visit discoverPHL.com/press-room.
