FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Stephen Crano | scrano@choosechicago.com | (312) 567-8505
Bradley Norman | bradley.norman@praytellagency.com | (352) 727-1726
Vissel will lead a unified storytelling team to enhance Chicago’s global reach and drive visitation
Chicago, IL (August 17, 2026) — Choose Chicago today announced the appointment of Meryl Press Vissel as Vice President of Communications & Content, a newly structured leadership role that will oversee the organization’s communications, media relations and social media functions. Vissel brings more than a decade of communications experience across tourism, hospitality and real estate, most recently leading Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
“Chicago has one of the strongest stories of any destination in the world. Our job is to make sure it’s the one people hear,” said Lisa Nucci, Chief Marketing Officer at Choose Chicago. “Meryl has spent her career navigating complex issues and winning attention in a competitive global marketplace. Under her leadership, we’ll tell Chicago’s story with more force and more consistency than ever—and that’s a real advantage in a market where every city is making its case.”
As Vice President of Communications & Content, Vissel will work closely with colleagues across Choose Chicago and partners throughout the city’s tourism and hospitality community. Her team will play a central role in strengthening Chicago’s reputation as a premier global destination and showcasing the people, places and experiences that distinguish the city.
“Meryl Vissel brings exactly the kind of global perspective and hands-on destination experience Choose Chicago needs as we enter this next chapter of transformation and growth,” said Kristen Reynolds, President & CEO of Choose Chicago. “From representing a Tier 1 destination with its own Tourism Improvement District, to shaping global media and content strategy around mega-events like the World Cup and the Olympics, Meryl has built her career at the intersection of world-class storytelling and world-class hospitality. We could not be more excited to have her leadership and vision guiding our team.”
Prior to joining Choose Chicago, Vissel led Corporate Communications for the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Los Angeles. During her tenure, she reestablished the organization’s Corporate Communications function following the pandemic and developed earned media and executive communications strategies designed to elevate Los Angeles on the global stage. Previously, Vissel led communications for Hudson Pacific Properties, a publicly traded real estate investment trust, where she oversaw internal and external communications, corporate reputation and executive thought leadership. She began her career in travel and tourism with Cunard, part of Carnival Corporation, directing North American public relations for the iconic luxury cruise line.
“Chicago has an energy, character and sense of place that is entirely its own,” said Vissel. “Having spent much of my career telling the stories of iconic destinations and travel brands, I’m honored to join Choose Chicago and help share what makes the city so compelling with audiences around the world. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Choose Chicago and partners across the city to spotlight the people, places and experiences that define Chicago and inspire travelers to experience it for themselves.”
Vissel’s official start date at Choose Chicago will be August 31.
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ABOUT CHOOSE CHICAGO
Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destination—the city that’s Never Done, Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city’s unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and more than 55 million annual visitors, generating over $20 billion in economic impact. Follow @ChooseChicago and tag #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
