Birmingham Says Farewell to Tourism Leader John Oros
Birmingham, it’s time to raise a glass and say goodbye to a familiar face! John Oros, the long-time CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB), has announced his retirement after a remarkable decade at the helm. That’s right, folks! After leading the charge for tourism development in Birmingham and Jefferson County since August 2015, Oros is ready to hang up his hat. “It’s time to hang it up,” he said with a smile. “This has been the most rewarding period for me through my long career. It’s been a great run.”
A Milestone in Tourism
Can you believe it? Over the last ten years, tourism has blossomed into a powerhouse industry for the Birmingham area! According to the CVB, in 2023, tourism brought an astounding $2.52 billion economic impact to Birmingham and Jefferson County. This growth is mainly due to significant investments in facilities, like the brand-new Protective Stadium and the modernized Legacy Arena. Oros has been at the forefront of this transformation, and his leadership has played a pivotal role in enhancing the region’s attractions.
Strategic Roadmap for Success
During his impressive tenure, Oros crafted a Tourism Master Plan and a Sports Tourism Master Plan. These plans not only outlined the region’s *need for upgraded facilities* but also highlighted the necessity for new developments to compete with nearby cities like Nashville, Memphis, and Charlotte. Oros emphasized that one of the key elements in pushing Birmingham to the forefront was building more hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists. “It’ll come,” he confidently stated about future developments. “It’ll come.”
What’s Next for GBCVB?
With Oros stepping down, the GBCVB Board is already working diligently on the next steps. They recently approved a partnership with the executive search firm SearchWide Global to help find Oros’s successor. The firm will receive 50% of the new CEO’s first-year salary—up to $75,000. Talk about a new adventure!
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about them,” said board chair Rick Smith. “They have a well-laid out process. It will be very efficient for us.” Sounds like they’re on the right track!
The Search Begins
The search for Oros’s successor is expected to take around 16 weeks, wrapping up in February or March. The search committee, chaired by John Lyda and joined by Bill Murray, Sen. Jabo Waggoner, Tynette Lynch, and Jonathan McKinney, will sift through a roster of ten qualified candidates presented by SearchWide Global. Oros’s words echo with pride as he reflects on the numerous successes achieved during his leadership. “I’m proud of the many successes created by our team at the GBCVB that helped accomplish those successes,” he shared.
A Legacy of Growth
As Birmingham gears up for this upcoming search, there’s no doubt that Oros leaves behind a rich legacy of growth and opportunity. He believes the new tourism professional stepping into this role will continue advancing *creative and strategic visions* that align with the Tourism Master Plan and Sports Tourism Master Plan. Working alongside city, county, and local tourism leaders, they will aim to maximize Birmingham’s vast potential.
Though Oros is wrapping up his chapter, he’ll stick around until a successor is officially chosen. That’s a good thing because many are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Birmingham’s tourism scene!
Thank you, John Oros, for your years of dedication and remarkable contributions to our beloved city. Here’s to new beginnings!
