Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond steps down amid city's tourism resurgence

Choose Chicago CEO Lynn Osmond is stepping down from her role at the head of the city's tourism arm, leaving a void as Chicago prepares for significant events such as The Democratic National Convention and the return of NASCAR this summer. According to a press release by the organization, Osmond will officially leave Choose Chicago on January 31 to focus on a family health matter.

As stated in the organization’s same report, Choose Chicago board member Rich Gamble will serve as interim CEO while a search is conducted for Osmond's successor. Gamble, a former executive at the Chicago Tribune and former COO of the Brookfield Zoo, has extensive experience in the local business and civic sectors.

During Osmond's tenure, the city's hospitality sector gradually recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming nearly 49 million visitors in 2022 according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Choose Chicago projects in their report around 54.5 million visitors for 2023, almost recovering to the 61 million visitors seen in 2019.

Some key accomplishments under Osmond's leadership include extensions with RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) and the return of the Rotary International convention. Additionally, Chicago secured the 2024 Democratic National Convention to be held this summer at the United Center.

Chicago experienced a surge in tourism during the summer of 2023 due to events such as NASCAR and Taylor Swift's three sold-out shows at Soldier Field, which contributed to filling almost 97% of hotel rooms during the weekend, according to Choose Chicago. The city is also set to host its second NASCAR Chicago Street Race this year, after a Choose Chicago study showed an impressive turnout in 2023; the event was said to have drawn more than 47,000 unique attendees and generated almost $109 million in economic impact.

The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for August 19-22 at the United Center, is expected to bring 50,000 visitors, 20,000 members of the media, and 5,500 delegates to the Windy City, as stated by the Chicago DNC 2024 host committee.

Choose Chicago, the city's official tourism organization, was launched in 2012 under then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The nonprofit receives most of its funding from state and city sources, with a budget of $29 million last year, according to the Chicago Tribune.