SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for Explore St. Louis

January 21, 2025 – Executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global has assisted in the recruitment of Brad Dean as the new president and CEO of Explore St. Louis. Executive vice president Mark Gnatovic led the assignment. “Brad Dean is a highly respected leader in destination marketing with a proven record of driving growth and innovation,” said Mike Gamble, chairman, CEO, and co-founder of Searchwide Global. “His expertise positions him well to advance Explore St. Louis’ mission and future goals.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Brad to Explore St. Louis,” said Steve O’Loughlin, chairman of the board of commission. “Brad’s impressive track record of success in destination marketing and his deep understanding of the tourism and convention industry make him the ideal leader to take Explore St. Louis to the next level. His experience will be invaluable as we continue to promote our city, attract new visitors, and drive economic growth.”

Mr. Dean brings over two decades of leadership in the tourism and destination marketing industry, including his most recent role as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and his 20-year tenure as president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Under his leadership, Puerto Rico saw significant growth in tourism, economic impact, and destination recognition. During his time as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, Mr. Dean led efforts to boost the island’s tourism industry following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, positioning it as an appealing and vibrant destination. At the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mr. Dean successfully increased visitation, significantly expanded tourism infrastructure, and established Myrtle Beach as one of the top coastal destinations in the United States.

“Mr. Dean’s expertise in strategic planning, destination branding, and stakeholder collaboration will be instrumental in advancing Explore St Louis’s mission to enhance St Louis as a premier destination,” Explore St. Louis said.

In his new role, Mr. Dean will lead the organization’s efforts to attract visitors from around the world, including conventions, concerts, and events to leverage America’s Center and The Dome. “I am deeply honored to join Explore St. Louis and eager to embark on this next chapter,” Mr. Dean said. “St. Louis is a community defined by its rich history, vibrant culture, and remarkable people. I am energized by the momentum building and inspired by limitless opportunities to elevate St. Louis as a premier destination for visitors while strengthening the sense of community that makes this region so special. Together, we celebrate what sets St. Louis apart, cultivate strategic partnerships to realize our shared vision, and ensure the visitor economy serves as a catalyst for economic growth and quality of life. The future of St. Louis is full of promise, and I am thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey.”

Funded by hotel tax paid by visitors, the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (DBA Explore St. Louis) is the driving force behind St. Louis’ $5.9 billion convention and tourism industry. Explore St. Louis is proud to serve as the official destination marketing organization of St. Louis City and County, and operator of the America’s Center Convention Complex and The Dome.

SearchWide Global, based in St. Paul, MN, is a full-service executive recruitment firm primarily for companies in the travel, tourism, hospitality, convention, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries. The firm specializes in C-level and director-level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations.

Related: SearchWide Global Assists the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with CEO Search

Mr. Gnatovic leads SearchWide Global’s venue search practice (convention centers, stadiums, arenas, fairs, and PAF facilities). He also manages the firm’s convention, tradeshow, and experiential event marketing segments, in addition to his work with DMOs, associations, and sports. Mr. Gnatovic served six years as a board trustee with the IAVM Foundation before joining IAVM’s board as an executive committee member and their leadership task force committee. Prior to SearchWide Global, he spent over 15 years in the convention industry.

Recent Work

After an extensive six-month national search, SearchWide Global recently assisted in the recruitment of Carol Bryant-Martin as the new executive director of the Alaska Raptor CenterNicole Newman, the search firm’s vice president, led the assignment. “We conducted a national search and are thrilled to welcome Carol and her family from Tallahassee, Florida,” said Roger Hames, board chair. “She has the right mix of skills, energy, and ideas to lead the Alaska Raptor Center to new levels of excellence.”

With a robust background in non-profit management, public service, resource development strategies, fiscal administration, and cultural resource and preservation advocacy, Ms. Bryant-Martin brings a diverse set of skills to the position. She most recently served as development director for the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources and worked at various prestigious institutions, including the Florida Department of Legal Affairs, Getty Images and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.

Related: SearchWide Global Recruits CEO for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor  – Hunt Scanlon Media

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