CEO Announces Retirement

After more than 28 incredible years with the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, I have made the decision to retire, effective April 30, 2025. This decision comes with a deep sense of gratitude for the countless friendships I have made, the unforgettable memories and stories I take with me, and the privilege of working in an industry that I truly love. With over 44 years in the hospitality industry, I’m ready to embrace the next chapter of my life.

As I prepare to step away, I do so with confidence, knowing the Visitors Bureau is in a strong position for continued growth with an experienced and award-winning staff. The next President/CEO selected will undoubtedly carry on promoting Johnston County’s unique rural charm and driving its tourism potential forward. The coming years hold so much promise for our communities and visitors, with exciting developments just around the corner.

Announcing my retirement now allows the Tourism Authority the time to implement a thoughtful and seamless succession plan. I’m committed to supporting this process and ensuring a smooth transition for the Visitors Bureau’s future leadership. Once that work is complete, I’ll step into a consulting role with some local nonprofits closest to my heart, while cheering on the Visitors Bureau from the sidelines.

On a personal note, my bucket list of destinations to explore is long, and I can’t wait to experience all the travel adventures I’ve dreamed of (making pasta in Italy…here I come).

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve Johnston County and be part of its incredible journey. Thank you for the trust, support, and shared vision that has made this work so fulfilling.

Donna Bailey-Taylor

President/CEO Job Posting

Applicants interested in applying for the President/CEO position at the Johnston County Visitors Bureau, will find the job description and process available here to download. Please submit your resume and letter of interest via email to Johnston County Tourism’s search consultant, Chris Cavanaugh of Magellan Strategy Group, at ccavanaugh@magellanstrategy.com. Phone inquiries about the position will not be accepted. The position will remain open until filled.

Serving All of JoCo!

The Johnston County Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization representing all visitor attractions, hotels, camping, dining, shopping, meetings, festivals and events in JoCo….all these make up the components of the tourism industry that bring visitors to our county.  Our funding is primarily provided by the 3% room tax paid by visitors while staying overnight in accommodations, some grants, and the JoCo Hospitality Association which is membership based.

In addition to the county-wide 3% tax, the towns of Benson, Kenly, Selma and Smithfield adopted an additional 2% tax that is 100% dedicated to the marketing and tourism development of their towns. These funds are remitted to the JCVB with separate budget line items and each town appoints a Tourism Marketing Committee to decide how to allocate these marketing dollars.

The JCVB is managed by a 11-member board known as the Johnston County Tourism Authority which was formed in 1987 by enabling legislation creating the 3% room tax. You will find here information about how the Authority operates, our budget, by-laws, mission and vision statements. We hope you will see that the JCVB team and board have a strong commitment and dedication for tourism development through our grant programs and believe that the prosperity of the tourism industry is vital to Johnston County's economy.

We invite you to engage with the JCVB staff and call upon the Tourism Authority to build our communities through tourism – visitors bring dollars, support jobs, and drive demand for commercial development. 

Tourism is economic development!  #VisitJoCo