Esteemed leader in CVB/DMO, associations, and airline industry joins Visit Seattle team in 2023
SEATTLE – Visit Seattle has hired Michael Woody as Senior Vice
President, Community Engagement and Public Affairs, effective Jan. 3,
2023. In this position, Woody will lead the development and execution of
Visit Seattle’s community engagement initiatives with the
organization’s 700-plus partners and sponsors. He will serve as the
organization’s government liaison with the City of Seattle, King County,
State of Washington and other municipalities. As a member of the senior
leadership team, Woody will oversee Visit Seattle’s public affairs and
advocacy, partnership, and destination services, and data and research
teams.
“Michael Woody’s long and relevant industry experience combined with
his strong track record is exactly what we need for this critical
position,” said Tammy Canavan, FCDME, President & CEO of Visit
Seattle. “2023 will be a year of increased community engagement and
involvement in public affairs. Michael’s development and execution of
these programs are essential to the future of Visit Seattle and the
tourism industry.”
Woody comes to Visit Seattle from Visit Galveston, where he served as
Chief Tourism Officer – leading all departments within the Convention
and Visitors Bureau, including Sales, Business Development,
Sponsorships, Services, New Product Development, Marketing, Public
Relations and Advocacy. Prior to Visit Galveston, he was Vice President
of Community Relations & Development at Visit San Antonio.
With 36 years of leadership experience in hospitality and tourism, Woody
brings a wealth of knowledge in operations, sales, marketing,
communications, and public relations to his new role. His extensive
background also includes running operations for global meetings
association and serving as publisher of all inflight magazines for
American Airlines.
At Visit Seattle, Woody will foster and strengthen key partnerships and
alliances at a national, regional, and local level – including those
with organizations such as Port of Seattle, Brand USA, State of
Washington Tourism, and more. Woody comes to the Pacific Northwest after
having lived all over the U.S. He is thrilled to be back in Washington
state, where he once lived.
“From a young age, living in Tacoma, skiing Crystal Mountain, and
sailing the San Juan Islands out of our home port of Gig Harbor, I have
wanted to return to this amazing place. And to have the opportunity to
Being part of the Visit Seattle team is both an honor and a privilege.
Together with our industry partners, elected officials, city and county
leadership, and our residents, we will re-establish a global destination
that conveys to the world that Seattle and King County offer a safe,
culture-rich, and inclusive experience for all,” said Michael Woody.
“There is no doubt that it is going to take an effective strategy and
strong collaboration. Through this, we will elevate city and county
tourism initiatives, expand political understanding, interest, and
support for the resurgence of the meeting and events market, and bring
Visit Seattle brand and mission awareness to organizations and
individuals throughout the community. I am excited about the
the destination’s future and believes through strengthening these
partnerships much can be accomplished.”
Woody holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from The
The University of North Texas. Outside of his professional life, you can
find him spending time outdoors, whether that’s running, golfing, or
skiing. He and his husband Kevin have a daughter, Lauren, and a
Bernedoodle named Cooper.
