It’s an exciting chapter for the former president and CEO, as Coker will be moving to the new role for NYC Tourism and Conventions. 

SDTA’s Board of Directors will begin the process of forming a search committee to identify and select a new president and CEO, according to SDTA officials.

“Thank you to the SDTA team, the SDTA Board of Directors, our tourism community, and San Diego at large for your friendship and support. San Diego will always hold a special place in my heart, and I have no doubt that you will reach even greater heights in the years to come.” Coker publishes on Linkedin.

Leading in San Diego

After joining in 2020, Coker navigated the organization’s sales and marketing efforts throughout the long and challenging stint of the global pandemic. Coker apushed the business toward recovery and full rebound. Under her leadership, San Diego was consistently ranked as the top U.S. destination for tourism. Coker has long been recognized as a prominent figure in the tourism industry (Source: TTW) and will continue to share her wealth of knowledge in the big apple at the end of the year.

“Julie is a respected industry expert and deeply experienced leader who will steward both NYC Tourism + Conventions and New York City’s $74 billion tourism economy,” says NYCTaC Board Chair and Shubert Organization EVP Charles Flateman in a statement.

A champion of diversity and inclusion within the travel and tourism sector, Coker established key DEI initiatives for the industry during her years as president and CEO.  Her reigning 30-year travel and tourism experience and commitment is key to her success within significant SDTA initiatives. The history of her glass ceiling initiatives include the launch of the award-winning Tourism Accelerator program, which helps connect businesses run by women, veterans and people of color, as well as LGBTQ and people living with disabilities.

Since launching these programs, 65% of past participants report revenue growth and 45% expand their operations. Her efforts also led to the appointment of the organization’s first director of DEI and community engagement.

In January 2016, Coker made history as the first African American female president and CEO to lead a major conventions and visitors bureau in one of the top 50 U.S. markets when she gained her position at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. Her career history expands with two decades with Hyatt Hotels, where she held general manager positions for properties in Philadelphia, Chicago, and Oakbrook.

Additional to this, Coker holds various executive board positions with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, U.S. Travel Association, Visit California, and other San Diego-based organizations.