PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.—Longtime tourism leader Leon Downey is retiring soon as executive director of the Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism after nearly four decades in the role.
Downey, who has led the department since 1988, will step down May 8, concluding a 38-year tenure, which coincided with significant growth in Pigeon Forge as a major tourism destination.
“Leon leaves a lasting legacy in Pigeon Forge, having guided our destination and our tourism industry with not only his expertise but also his remarkable integrity,” says Pigeon Forge city manager David Wear. “Here at home, across the state of Tennessee, and beyond, Leon is recognized as one of tourism’s most respected leaders, and his 38-year career at the helm of the Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism speaks for itself.”
During his tenure, Downey oversaw the expansion of tourism infrastructure and attractions, helping transform the city into one of the country’s most-visited destinations. Developments during included The Island in Pigeon Forge, Titanic Museum Attraction, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, and LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, a major events facility.
Pigeon Forge generated more than $2 billion in annual gross revenue for five consecutive years during Downey’s leadership.
“We’re grateful for Leon’s many contributions to the Dept. of Tourism and the City of Pigeon Forge,” says Pigeon Forge Mayor Kevin McClure. “As he prepares for this next life chapter, we wish him the very best, just as he’s shared the best of himself with us for the past 38 years.”
Downey’s career in tourism spans 43 years across Tennessee. Before leading Pigeon Forge’s tourism department, he served as executive director of the Oak Ridge Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and held roles with the Knoxville CVB and the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.
He also held leadership positions in regional and industry groups, including serving as chairman of the Southeast Tourism Society, and was appointed in 2011 by then-Gov. Bill Haslam to the Tennessee Tourism Committee.
Downey is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a graduate of the University of Tennessee.
