Julie Coker, president and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, will leave the organization to become president and CEO of Visit California starting in October, the agency confirmed. Coker will remain in her current role through August 31 to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of the organization's strategic priorities across New York City's five boroughs.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Board of Directors by Charles Flateman, board chair and executive vice president of The Shubert Organization, who said Coker strengthened New York's position as one of the world's most iconic destinations and built a disciplined global sales strategy, guiding the organization through a period of recovery and growth.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani also commented on Coker's departure, noting that progress on the city's preparations for the World Cup reflects the groundwork she helped build with government, business and community partners. He credited her leadership with securing an additional $4.5 million investment from the city to welcome the tournament.

Since joining the organization, Coker redefined its global sales strategy and international presence, strengthened relationships with travel industry, media and convention partners, and deepened collaboration with hotels, cultural institutions and attractions across the five boroughs, alongside high-visibility campaigns to raise the city's global profile.

Following the announcement, the NYC Tourism + Conventions board launched a search for her successor through a committee made up of Flateman, John Calvelli (Wildlife Conservation Society), Melba Wilson (Melba's Restaurants), Dan Nadeau (New York Marriott Marquis) and Sofia Vandaele (InterContinental New York Barclay).

New York's tourism industry remains one of the city's key economic engines, supporting 400,000 jobs and generating more than $7 billion in tax revenue across the five boroughs. In 2025, the city welcomed approximately 65 million visitors, who generated $55.6 billion in direct spending.