On Monday, September 21, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitor’s Authority (RSCVA) announced that it had appointed Charles Harris, former head of Visit Anaheim, as the tourism body’s new CEO.
Harris was one of three finalists vying for the position along with RSCVA Executive Vice President Jennifer Cunningham, who had served as interim president following the resignation of Phil DeLone, and Choose Chicago Chief Operating Officer Marc Anderson.
Harris previously served as the chief marketing officer and executive vice president of public affairs for the Anaheim tourism group. His experience also includes a term as vice-chairman of the Visit California Brand & Content Committee and co-marketing chairman of the Orange County Visitor Authority. He was formerly a member of the board of the Anaheim Transportation Network and Cal Travel’s Government Relations Committee.
The RSCVA board of directors is now negotiating the terms of Harris’ contract, including his compensation and start date.
DeLone resigned earlier this year for health reasons while under investigation for workplace complaints. A probe by the Reno Gazette-Journal found that DeLone had a history of workplace complaints at various stops prior to the RSCVA. The tourism authority’s own internal investigation substantiated several allegations against DeLone, including sexist behavior, inappropriate language and calling Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve the “c” word.
