Discover Long Island, the region’s only accredited destination marketing organization, is announcing the departure of longtime President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds, as she prepares to assume the position of President & CEO at Choose Chicago, the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the city of Chicago. With a scheduled May 5, 2025, start date for her new role, the search for Reynolds’ successor is set to begin under the direction of the Discover Long Island Board of Directors.
"Kristen Reynolds is a proven leader in the tourism industry and we welcome her to Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson. “With major global events on the horizon and our city continuing to break tourism records, Kristen’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Chicago’s position as a top destination for visitors, conventions, and business investment."
Since joining Discover Long Island in 2015, Reynolds has transformed the organization into a nationally recognized leader in the travel and tourism industry, driving record-breaking visitation, launching award-winning marketing initiatives, and positioning Long Island as a premier global destination. Under her leadership, Discover Long Island has expanded its influence, secured critical partnerships, and elevated Suffolk County and the larger Long Island community’s economic impact through tourism.
“Leading Discover Long Island has been an absolute honor, and I am incredibly proud of the record-breaking and award-winning results we’ve achieved over the past 10 years,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds. “I moved here from Arizona with my two young daughters who are now off to college but will always call Long Island home. I can’t thank the board, the team and the community enough for embracing us as a family and me as an industry leader. While I could not be more excited to take the helm at Choose Chicago to lead one of the nation’s most iconic and vibrant destinations, Long Island will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Stepping into this new role, Reynolds will be joining Choose Chicago to build upon record-breaking tourism momentum. In 2024, Chicago drove historic hotel revenue and tax collections while earning Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Big City in the U.S.” title for an unprecedented eighth consecutive year.
"Tourism is a critical part of Illinois’ economic success, and I’m excited to see how Kristen’s leadership at Choose Chicago will further elevate our state’s standing on the global stage,” said Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “I look forward to working together to promote Chicago and Illinois as premier destinations for travelers, businesses, and world-class events."
Back at home, Discover Long Island’s mission to promote and enhance Suffolk County and the larger Long Island community’s tourism economy remains its top priority. With a strong team, an engaged Board of Directors, and an established strategic plan, the organization is well-positioned for continued growth and success in providing exceptional value to its loyal partners, stakeholders, and the greater Long Island community.
“As we celebrate Kristen’s extraordinary contributions to Discover Long Island and congratulate her on this new journey, we remain steadfast in our mission to champion this incredible destination,” said Discover Long Island Board Chair, Mitch Pally. “The organization is in the midst of a strong year, and we are committed to maintaining the momentum, driving economic impact, and ensuring that Suffolk County, Long Island remains a top destination to live, work, and play. Our dedicated team has not skipped a beat, and our valued partners can rest assured that Discover Long Island will continue to innovate, evolve, and deliver at the highest level.”
Since the rebranding to Discover Long Island from the Long Island Convention + Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission 10 years ago, tourism spending on Long Island has increased by $2 billion, currently standing at $7.5 billion in tourism spending as of latest data released by Tourism Economics in August 2024.
“Kristen is one of the brightest, most creative, and hardest working professionals I have ever known, a true powerhouse of talent and poise,” said Long Island Association President & CEO, Matt Cohen. “She brought extensive expertise from her time in Arizona to swiftly acclimate to her new environs and become an effective and widely respected regional leader. Under Kristen’s stewardship, Discover Long Island was transformed into a dynamic and influential 21st century organization that prioritized accountability and results. Long Island’s loss is Chicago’s gain, but she is leaving us with a legacy of achievements that advanced economic development and boosted Long Island’s $7.5 billion tourism industry.”
Discover Long Island is ensuring leadership continuity by having DLI Board Chair Mitch Pally assume the role of Interim CEO following Reynolds’ departure on April 25, 2025, prior to the launch of a formal search for the organization’s new leader.
ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw recent record-breaking highs of $7.5 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 11 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.