TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recommended Bryan Griffin as the next VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO. Currently, Griffin serves as the communications director in the State of Florida’s Executive Office of the Governor. In his new role, Griffin will oversee VISIT FLORIDA’s mission to market the state to visitors nationally and internationally.
“Bryan has led the charge in communicating the message of the Free State of Florida for the past three years from my office,” says Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am confident that he is the best candidate for this role, and that he will well-articulate the case for visitors from across the nation and the globe to VISIT FLORIDA. He has been an invaluable member of our team in the Executive Office, and we will greatly miss his presence and service from the Capitol.”
Griffin is from Tampa and has a long career in writing, communications, marketing, and advocacy. In addition to leading the communications shop for the Executive Office of the Governor, Griffin also served as a national director for a prominent advocacy organization. He also previously owned and managed a real estate company and a craft beverage tap room in Tampa.
“I sincerely thank Governor DeSantis for the opportunity to step into this new role and lead the effort to communicate our state’s many nation-leading, desirable characteristics to the world. Tourism is a critical part of the Florida economy and instrumental to Florida’s continued low tax burden,” says Griffin. “I look forward to working closely with the board, our local partners, the tourism industry, and the VISIT staff to promote the shared values and unique features of the Free State of Florida, including our world-class amenities, unmatched natural and historical sites, and our commitment to public safety and order for all who visit. I hold tremendous respect for the state, regional, and local partnerships that embody VISIT FLORIDA and will work hard to enhance and grow them.”
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly adds, “As Florida continues to break records in tourism, attracting visitors from across the nation and around the world, Bryan’s strategic vision and drive will be essential in sustaining and expanding that momentum.”
“I’m proud to support Bryan Griffin in his new role leading Visit Florida,” says Carol Dover, president and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and VISIT FLORIDA Board Executive Committee Member. “Throughout his time with Governor DeSantis, Bryan has been a passionate advocate for Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry, and I look forward to continuing the strong partnership between our organizations. In addition to his proven expertise in government, policy, advocacy, and communications, Bryan brings firsthand experience as a hospitality business owner—giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. That real-world perspective makes him exceptionally well-suited to attract visitors and champion the growth of Florida’s tourism economy.”
