Pinellas County Administrator Barry A. Burton has announced the appointment of Brian Lowack as the President and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. Lowack, who had been serving as the interim head of the official Pinellas County tourism marketing and management organization since June, has now officially taken the reins of this key position.

Burton expressed his confidence in Lowack's ability to lead the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater team and drive growth in tourism. He emphasized Lowack's deep ties to the community as a Pinellas County native, highlighting his passion and commitment to promoting the region to visitors from near and far.

Janet C. Long, Pinellas County Commission Chair and Tourism Development Council Chair, praised Lowack's professionalism and his role as an ambassador for Pinellas County. She recounted his recent successful engagement with major tour operators in Brazil during a trade mission, where he effectively showcased the destination.

In response to his appointment, Brian Lowack expressed gratitude to the County Commission, Tourist Development Council, County Administration, and the Visit St. Pete Clearwater team. He credited the organization's success to the hard work, passion, and shared vision of his team, vowing to continue promoting St. Pete/Clearwater as a top tourism destination through innovative strategies.

St. Pete/Clearwater is currently on track for a record-breaking tourism year in Pinellas County history, boasting America's Best Beaches, a thriving arts scene, a burgeoning culinary landscape, and outstanding outdoor experiences. Recent accolades, including recognition by Forbes as one of the "Best Places to Travel in the U.S." for 2023, underscore the region's appeal.

Brian Lowack's professional journey in Pinellas County Government, which began in December 2012, has included various roles such as Intergovernmental Liaison, Interim Director of Housing and Community Development, and Assistant to the County Administrator. In these roles, he has managed legislative programs and collaborated with community leaders to drive initiatives and improvements.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Lowack is an active participant in various community organizations, including the International City and County Management Association and the Florida City and County Management Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Clemson University.

Brian Lowack's appointment is seen as a significant step towards solidifying St. Pete/Clearwater's position as a premier tourism destination. With his local expertise and commitment to the community, he is well-positioned to lead Visit St. Pete/Clearwater into a promising future.