Introduction
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, tourism and destination marketing are evolving rapidly, and at the forefront of that transformation in the Vancouver, Washington region stands Cliff Myers. As President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA, he spearheads efforts to brand the region, attract both conventions and leisure travelers, and position Clark County and Vancouver as a dynamic, competitive destination. This article explores his professional journey, his leadership at Visit Vancouver, his vision for the future, and the lasting impact of his work on the community and regional economy.
Cliff Myers Vancouver WA
Cliff Myers is a seasoned tourism executive based in Vancouver, Washington. Since September 2019, he has served as President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA. He arrived in Vancouver after an extensive 14-year career at the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he progressed from Convention Sales Manager to Assistant General Manager, and ultimately to Director of Administration. In that role, Myers oversaw strategic planning, finance, human resources, and convention sales.
In Vancouver, he now leads the city’s destination marketing organization, a nonprofit 501(c)(6), where he is responsible for promoting tourism, attracting meetings and conventions throughout Clark County, and managing the Vancouver USA Sports Commission along with convention services. Under his leadership, Visit Vancouver WA has become a central driver of regional tourism and economic development.
Key Facts About Cliff Myers Vancouver WA
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Cliff Myers |
| Current Role | President & CEO, Visit Vancouver WA |
| Organization Type | Nonprofit destination marketing organization |
| Appointment Announced | August 20, 2019 |
| Official Start Date | September 23, 2019 |
| Previous Experience | Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau – 14 years |
| Key Achievements | Led Destination Master Plan (2023–2033), rebranded Visit Vancouver WA, strengthened sports tourism, helped post-pandemic recovery |
| Compensation | $194,552 annually (latest public filing) |
| Community Roles | Chair, State of Washington Tourism Board; Board member, Greater Vancouver USA Regional Chamber of Commerce |
| Personal Life | Married with two children; lives in Seattle, WA |
| Mission of Visit Vancouver WA | Promote tourism, support local businesses, increase visitor spending, host events, enhance city’s brand |
Early Life and Personal Background
Details about Cliff Myers’s early life and education are not widely publicized. What is known is that he entered the hospitality industry at a young age. In a profile with the Vancouver Business Journal, Myers recalled that his first job was as a dishwasher at a cafeteria, humorously noting that everyone should experience working in a restaurant at some point. Beyond this anecdote, little concrete information is available regarding his schooling or upbringing.
Cliff Myers is married and a father of two children, and the family resides in Seattle, Washington, along with their family dog. Despite the demands of leading a major destination marketing organization, he remains closely connected to his family, often participating in local events and community initiatives. This balance between professional responsibilities and family life reflects his commitment not only to his career but also to the well-being of those closest to him.
Educational Background
Cliff Myers’s educational journey laid the foundation for his distinguished career in tourism and destination leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University, a milestone that prepared him for a path in hospitality, management, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, Myers has further enhanced his expertise through prestigious industry certifications, including Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Destination Marketing Executive (CDME) credentials, underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and ongoing development in the field.
Professional and Business Career
Cliff Myers has built a distinguished career in the travel and hospitality industry, bringing over 20 years of experience, primarily on the East Coast. He joined the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) in the mid-2000s, where he spent 14 years steadily advancing through roles in sales and operations. During his tenure, Myers progressed from Convention Sales Manager to Assistant General Manager, and ultimately to Director of Administration, overseeing strategic planning, finance, human resources, and convention sales.
In August 2019, Vancouver’s tourism board announced Myers as the new President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA, with his official start date set for September 23, 2019. As CEO, he is responsible for the overall management of this nonprofit destination marketing organization, including marketing, sales, events, and oversight of the Vancouver USA Sports Commission. His leadership priorities include destination marketing campaigns, meetings and convention sales, sports tourism development, and long-term tourism planning.
Career Highlights:
| Organization | Role & Years | Key Responsibilities |
| Visit Vancouver WA (Vancouver, WA) | President & CEO (Sept 2019 – Present) | Leads marketing for Vancouver/Clark County, oversees sports tourism and convention sales |
| Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (VA) | Director of Administration (2016–2019); Assistant GM & Sales Manager (2005–2016) | Managed strategic planning, finance, human resources, and convention sales |
Leadership and Community Engagement
Cliff Myers is actively involved in both local and statewide tourism organizations and civic groups. He serves as Chair of the State of Washington Tourism Board and represents the Columbia River Gorge region, while locally he sits on the Board of Directors of the Greater Vancouver USA Regional Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Visit Vancouver WA. In these roles, he collaborates with government and business leaders to drive economic development and promote tourism.
Myers frequently appears at industry and community events, such as the kickoff of the American Queen Voyages “American Empress” river-cruise season in March 2022. In interviews, he emphasizes tourism’s impact on the community, noting that it supports everything from local breweries and trails to youth sports. He has also partnered with the Port of Vancouver USA to attract youth and amateur sporting events, aligning tourism initiatives with broader civic goals and reinforcing Vancouver as a vibrant destination.
Recent News and Milestones
Under Cliff Myers’s leadership, Visit Vancouver WA has achieved key milestones in tourism. In 2022, Clark County visitor spending reached $674.1 million, 21.8% above 2019 levels, reflecting strong post-pandemic recovery. Myers has also represented Vancouver at major events, including the 2024 State of Washington Tourism Conference, highlighting local attractions and sharing his vision for the region.
He frequently appears in media, discussing topics such as safely drawing visitors during the pandemic and promoting heritage tourism in Clark County, establishing himself as a prominent spokesperson for Vancouver’s visitor industry.
Cliff Myers Net Worth
Cliff Myers, President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA, receives an annual compensation of $194,552, according to the latest filings reported by ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer and Cause IQ. Under his leadership, the organization maintains net assets of approximately $1.43 million, reflecting its stable financial position and its vital role in supporting tourism, community events, and local business initiatives in Vancouver. While these figures shed light on his professional earnings and the organization’s resources, Myers’ personal net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
Challenges and Strategic Outlook
Leading a destination marketing organization in today’s world comes with a unique set of challenges, and Cliff Myers is well-positioned to navigate them.
COVID-19 and Recovery: Like many tourism offices, Visit Vancouver faced the profound impacts of the pandemic on travel, conventions, and local businesses. Guiding the organization through recovery, adapting to shifting travel behaviors, and re-engaging group travel are top priorities.
Competing Destinations: The Pacific Northwest is home to numerous attractive destinations, including Portland, Seattle, and the Columbia Gorge. Differentiating Vancouver, WA, and drawing visitors beyond traditional markets requires careful strategy and innovative marketing.
Sustainability and Responsible Travel: Modern tourism organizations are increasingly expected to promote sustainability, equity, and positive community impact. Balancing growth with community wellbeing remains a complex and ongoing challenge.
Partnerships and Funding: Destination marketing organizations rely on lodging taxes, memberships, government support, and private partnerships. Effective leadership demands strong relationship management and fiscal stewardship.
Given these factors, Myers’s extensive experience in operations, conventions, and destination marketing is critical. His focus on meetings, conventions, and sports tourism provides Vancouver with a valuable niche.
Final Thoughts
Cliff Myers’ journey from his early days in hospitality to leading Visit Vancouver WA reflects a career marked by dedication, vision, and a commitment to community impact. Through strategic leadership, he has not only strengthened Vancouver’s tourism industry but also demonstrated how a well-managed destination can drive economic growth, foster civic pride, and create memorable experiences for both visitors and residents. His story stands as a compelling example of how passion, coupled with professional expertise, can elevate a city’s profile and leave a lasting legacy.
FAQs About Cliff Myers Vancouver WA
Cliff Myers is the President and CEO of Visit Vancouver WA, the official destination marketing organization for Vancouver and Clark County. He oversees marketing, strategic planning, convention sales, and the Vancouver USA Sports Commission.
Cliff Myers was officially announced as the new President & CEO on August 20, 2019, and he began his role in September that year.
Prior to Vancouver, Myers spent over 14 years at the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he held several roles including sales manager, assistant general manager, and Director of Administration.
He has played a key role in creating the Destination Master Plan (2023–2033), a strategic, community-driven roadmap for sustainable tourism growth that balances visitor economy goals with quality-of-life considerations.
Under Myers’s leadership, Visit Vancouver WA refreshed its brand in 2022, changing its name (dropping “USA” to emphasize its Washington identity), updating the logo, and developing a modern visual identity rooted in Pacific Northwest aesthetics.
Yes. One example is the Grow the (360) program: under Myers, Visit Vancouver WA partnered with the Greater Vancouver Chamber and other local groups to provide $50,000 in “buy one, get one free” gift certificates to support small, local businesses during the COVID-19 recovery.
