Al’ s impact has extended far beyond Baltimore. Over the course of his career, representing six destinations and the travel industry on an international stage, Al has championed a more inclusive, collaborative tourism industry that faces challenges directly and keeps love for community at its center.
There are many talented executives driving meaningful change in this world, but Al is truly one of a kind. He is a visionary who leads with empathy, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He doesn’ t just talk about putting people first— he practices it every day. And, candidly, he is one of the coolest people you will ever meet. When Al walks into a room, he is greeted with endless smiles, handshakes, high-fives and daps. We’ ve heard many stories about how others have worked alongside Al to make their organizations— and the industry at large— stronger, more inclusive and rooted in caring for each other.
Al’ s legacy will live on not only in the milestones he achieved, but in the culture he built. He showed us that leadership is not just about strategy or numbers, it’ s about people. His commitment to respect, kindness and love has become the foundation of Visit Baltimore, and it will continue to shape the way we welcome the world to our city for years to come.
AL’ S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Led Visit Baltimore through a comprehensive strategic plan, which has built a values-driven culture focused on respect, innovation, collaboration, mindfulness and love; named a Top Workplace by the Baltimore Sun in 2024.
• Secured the CIAA Basketball Tournament through 2029, generating national attention and major economic impact.
• Spearheaded the bid to secure the ASAE Annual Meeting in 2033, one of the industry’ s most prestigious conventions.
• Led Visit Baltimore through the COVID-19 pandemic and the social justice reckoning after George Floyd’ s murder, serving as a national voice for diversity and inclusion.
• Launched DEI training for the hospitality industry, including the Warm Welcome program, and elevated BIPOC-owned tourism businesses, ensuring more neighborhoods and small businesses would be included in Baltimore’ s story.
• Served as President of the Destinations International Board of Directors, where he created an HBCU Scholarship program that has raised $ 317,550 for students.
• Oversaw transformative marketing campaigns, including the 2019 rebrand“ Your People Are Here,” the 2024 refresh“ You Won’ t Get It Til You Get Here,” and the 2022 Hospitality Jobs campaign supporting workforce recovery.
• Championed efforts to renovate and revitalize the Baltimore Convention Center and secured the Tourism Improvement District to expand funding sources.
• Represented Baltimore nationally on issues including social inclusion, community-led tourism, gun violence and the role of Black leaders in hospitality.
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