Julie Kirkpatrick Named Interim President and CEO; Candace McGraw in Advisory Role as Board Launches Nationwide Search
CINCINNATI (February 2, 2026) – Visit Cincy has announced an interim leadership structure to ensure continuity and maintain momentum following the conclusion of Julie Calvert’s tenure as President and CEO.
Effective Monday, February 2, 2026, Julie Kirkpatrick will serve as Interim President and CEO of Visit Cincy, overseeing the organization’s day-to-day operations during the transition. Kirkpatrick will continue in her role as President and CEO of meetNKY, working in partnership with Visit Cincy to maintain forward momentum across shared regional tourism and destination sales and marketing efforts.
In addition, Candace McGraw will serve as Interim Executive Advisor, supporting Board governance and oversight while providing strategic guidance throughout the transition. McGraw, who retired as CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in June 2025, will assist with strategic planning efforts and help steward the organization through the leadership transition.
The Visit Cincy Board has launched a nationwide search to identify the organization’s next President and CEO, led by a community-based search committee. The committee will oversee development of the position profile, evaluation criteria, and stakeholder engagement, supported by an external executive search firm.
Calvert concluded her tenure with Visit Cincy on January 31, 2026. During her tenure, she helped guide Visit Cincy’s work, alongside public and private partners, through the planning and opening of the Cincinnati Convention Center following its major investment.
About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
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