Ross Levi ’97 Named Executive Director of Tourism at Empire State Development

08/11/2017

New York’s chief economic development organization announced on August 10 that Ross Levi ’97 will become Executive Director of Tourism, responsible for the city’s I LOVE NEW YORK tourism promotion efforts.

Levi, who first joined Empire State Development in 2012, will also help coordinate marketing efforts to promote tourism across the entire state, which relies on the industry for more than 914,000 jobs each year.

Prior to taking this position, Levi served as Vice President of Marketing Initiatives at the organization, where he launched and coordinated new tourism efforts established by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including the Adirondack and Catskill Challenges, the Governor’s annual Tourism Summit, and the Path Through History heritage tourism initiative. His work also helped with the creation of the I LOVE NEW YORK LGBT campaign. In his new role, Levi will manage all of the state’s tourism staff.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve as Executive Director, which allows me to continue working with the dedicated I LOVE NEW YORK staff,” Levi said. “I look forward to building even stronger relationships with the Tourism Advisory Council, our state government colleagues and our talented industry partners, to further realize Governor Cuomo’s vision of tourism serving as a pillar of economic development in New York State.”