DAYTON, Ohio—John Oney has been named the new president and CEO of Destination Dayton, effective Dec. 15. He will succeed Jacquelyn Powell, who is retiring after more than 30 years with the organization.
“It is with great excitement that the Board of Trustees announces the appointment of John Oney as our new president & CEO of Destination Dayton, effective December 15,” says board chair Scott DeBolt. “The board is thrilled to welcome John and confident in his leadership as we move into an exciting new chapter for our organization.”
Oney has more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He currently serves as vice president of sports & meetings for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, where he develops group sales strategies that generate economic impact through sporting events, meetings, and conventions.
A national search conducted by Destination Dayton’s Board of Directors, in partnership with executive recruitment firm SearchWide Global, led to Oney’s selection.
“We look forward to partnering with John and the entire team as we continue advancing our mission,” DeBolt says. “Dayton is a premier tourism destination—rooted in a rich history of innovation, shaped by a culturally vibrant quality of life, and poised for an exciting and promising future.”
“Dayton, Ohio is renowned for being the Birthplace of Aviation, but it’s also recognized for welcoming communities, innovative partnerships, and a genuine spirit of hospitality,” says Oney. “I’m thrilled and honored to join the exceptional team at Destination Dayton as the next president & CEO. I am excited to begin working with the board, partners, and the team to inspire tourism in all its forms. Together, we will continue to elevate our brand and visitor economy that support our communities in so many beneficial ways.”
Before moving to Roanoke, Va., Oney held positions including director of sales at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Fla., national golf sales manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, Fla., and sales & event representative for Visit Central Florida/Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing.
He has served as board president for Convention Sales Professional International and received the Shawn Corwin Myland Award in 2021. Oney is a certified sports tourism strategist and is pursuing the Certified Destination Management Executive designation. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Recreation Park Management, focusing on professional golf management.
