John Oney Named President and CEO of Destination Dayton

John Oney has been named president and CEO of Destination Dayton, effective December 15. He will succeed Jacquelyn Powell, who will retire after 30 years with the destination marketing organization.

“The board is thrilled to welcome John and confident in his leadership as we move into an exciting new chapter for our organization,” said Destination Dayton Board Chair Scott DeBolt.

Oney has more than three decades of hospitality industry experience, currently serving vice president, sports and meetings for Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. In that role, he has been responsible for developing group sales strategies that create economic impact in the form of sporting events, meetings and conventions. The DMO covers the counties of Botetourt, Franklin, and Roanoke, and the cities of Roanoke and Salem.

“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,” Oney said. “I’m thrilled and honored to join the exceptional team at Destination Dayton as the next president and 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.”

Oney was selected for the Dayton role by a special Destination Dayton Board of Directors selection committee led by DeBolt. The efforts included a national search led by recruitment firm SearchWide Global.

“We look forward to partnering with John and the entire team as we continue advancing our mission,” DeBolt said. “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.”

Prior to his time in Virginia, Oney served as the director of sales at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida, national golf sales manager for Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Coast, Florida, and sales and event representative for Visit Central Florida/Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing. He previously served as board president for Convention Sales Professional International (CSPI) and was honored with the Shawn Corwin Myland-Award (2021). He is a certified Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) through Sports ETA and currently working through his Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation.