Lynn Osmond's Departure Marks New Era for Chicago Tourism

In an unexpected turn of events, Lynn Osmond has announced her resignation as the CEO and president of Choose Chicago, the city's primary tourism promotion organization. This news arrives at a pivotal moment for Chicago, as the city is in full swing preparing for the high-profile 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Lynn Osmond, who assumed her role at Choose Chicago in May 2022, declared her decision to step down due to a family health matter. Osmond made her announcement via LinkedIn, highlighting the difficulty of her choice but emphasizing its necessity for both her family and the organization. January 31 will mark her last day, with Rich Gamble set to take over as the interim CEO, as confirmed by the tourism board.

Osmond's tenure, though brief, was notable for its significant impact on Chicago's tourism landscape. During her time, Choose Chicago embarked on a bold $5.5 million initiative aimed at boosting tourism in the less frequented South Side and West Side neighborhoods. These areas, often bypassed due to public safety concerns, became a focus of Osmond's efforts to diversify and enrich the city's tourism appeal.

A key challenge Osmond faced was reshaping the narrative surrounding Chicago's public safety image. In a candid conversation with Skift in June, she addressed the negative media coverage, expressing her commitment to altering the city's portrayal as an urban crime hotspot. Her proactive approach was evident in her response to the disorderly events at Millennium Park in April, where she reassured industry partners of the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents.

Under Osmond's guidance, Choose Chicago also launched a campaign to attract suburban residents to the city's vibrant cultural scene. Highlighting Chicago's rich offerings in ballet, opera, and performing arts, this initiative aimed to draw more visitors to the downtown area.

Despite these efforts and a successful tourism year in 2022, where Chicago welcomed nearly 49 million visitors, reaching 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, Osmond's departure signals a period of transition for the city's tourism strategy. As Chicago gears up for a busy year with the upcoming Democratic National Convention, the tourism board faces the challenge of continuing Osmond's legacy while navigating the new dynamics of a post-pandemic world.