DENVER (Nov. 12, 2024) -- VISIT DENVER, The Convention and Visitors Bureau has selected Patrick Walton as its new Director of Government and Community Affairs. Walton brings 14 years of experience spanning the private, nonprofit and public sectors to the position.
“Walton brings relevant experience and relationships that are essential to VISIT DENVER’s mission and partnership with the City of Denver and industry stakeholders and we could not be happier to welcome him to the team,” said Richard W. Scharf, VISIT DENVER president and CEO. “His diverse background in the hospitality industry and government affairs will align with our important work at the Bureau as we look towards the future and continue to make Denver the best city to visit.”
In his new role at VISIT DENVER, Walton will work closely with the organization’s leadership and the Bureau’s Board of Directors to advise on all policy issues and current events that may impact Denver’s tourism economy. Walton will establish and maintain strong and positive relationships with key organizations and government departments at the local, state and federal levels. He will also play a key role in rolling out the Denver Tourism Roadmap, the organization’s 10-year strategic plan, and assist the Strategic Partnerships & Roadmap board committee in assessing the plan’s progress. He will support the Tourism Improvement District (TID) through development of annual plans, hotel member communications, and other related activities.
“I am thrilled to be joining the VISIT DENVER team in their mission to bring convention and leisure visitors to Denver for the economic benefit of the city, the community and partner organizations,” said Patrick Walton. “I look forward to cultivating and strengthening key relationships with City leadership, business owners and stakeholders while supporting the mission of the Bureau.”
Most recently, Walton supported the City as the assistant director of government and external affairs with Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) where he led external affairs, policy and legislative affairs for the agency. Prior to his role with DEDO, Walton worked at Mile High United Way in various roles focused on the economic mobility of families in Colorado, including as the director of Tax Help Colorado and director of volunteer engagement.
In addition to his professional achievements, Walton is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Environmental Learning for Kids, the Denver LGBTQ Commission and the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Colorado. Notably, Patrick was honored as one of Colorado’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Business Leaders in 2023 and recognized as one of the Denver Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award winners in 2024.
Walton was born and raised in Lodi, California, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado, Denver. He is an avid traveler and you can often find him hitting the slopes during the winter.
Taloma Partners conducted the search for this director position.
About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating 115 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.4 million visitors in 2023, generating $10.3 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city’s largest industries. Learn more about Denver at VISIT DENVER or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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