Leadership in Motion: What Eight Years with Dave Kirk Taught Me

 Some moments stop you long enough to look back before you look ahead. Today is one of those moments.

 

Dave Kirk is stepping out of Visit Owensboro and into the CEO role at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. I’ve had the front-row seat for eight years, watching him grow into a leader who knows how to push, build, and finish strong.

 

Dave helped take Visit Owensboro into a different weight class. Record hotel revenues. Statewide recognition from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association. Fresh energy behind our long-standing Barbecue & Barrels festival. New momentum with Illuminate and Burger Week. A 1,040% jump in social media reach that put Owensboro’s brand on the map.

 

He leaves the organization stronger than he found it. Mission accomplished.

 

Leadership isn’t a job description. It’s what you build. It’s the consistency, the standards, the drive. Dave has all of that, and the Chamber is getting a leader who understands how to move a place forward.

 

I’m proud of the work we’ve done together. I’m even more proud of what this community is about to gain.
Read more at Visit Owensboro official website: Visit Owensboro

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mark Calitri — Winning Leadership Playbook Media Coverage & Updates

    This is the main page that helps Google rank the book and my name together. As newspapers, websites, and regional outlets cover Winning Leadership Playbook, every new link will be added here. Keeping this page updated signals to Google that the book is active, relevant, and gaining attention.     Media Coverage   Owensboro Times — Title of Article (Date) Messenger-Inquirer — Calitri co-pens Pete Rose book;  Calitri co-pens Pete Rose book Paxton Media Outlets — add each paper as they post Lexington Herald-Leader — pending Louisville Courier Journal — pending Regional weekly papers — added as published   This list grows as new outlets pick up the story.   About the Book Winning Leadership Playbook by Mark Calitri calls modern leaders back to the fundamentals: Hustle that shows up on the scoreboard No-excuse ownership Focus on the priorities that move the needle Turning...
Read more
Mark Calitri, President of Visit Owensboro, emphasized the significance of this new direction: “This comprehensive approach will promote tourism and economic development while enhancing Owensboro’s reputation as a dynamic and attractive destination.” Calitri added, “These words are more than a promise; they are a commitment to every resident and visitor that Owensboro is a place where big dreams are realized.” https://visitowensboro.com/2024/08/owensboro-and-daviess-county-a-blueprint-for-success/?oti=130&otx=614%2C619&fbclid=IwY2xjawIy42RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHR06TEzvZPaMaltvocpVzn2wDCA-F7_LiWL_Wfwx7CW8bgSmjbZ94PIBOw_aem_6wrjHTcqOpMskbjGhstBKg   Claude Bacon, Visit Owensboro Board Chair and GOEDC President, said, “As a board, our purpose in coming together was clear: to create and communicate a plan that propels Owensboro and Daviess County toward greater economic success. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and vision of our servant leaders, whose hard work is shaping a br...
Read more

Mark Calitri Joins the Greater Owensboro Music Commission

  https://visitowensboro.com/2025/04/mark-calitri-joins-the-greater-owensboro-music-commission/ Mark Calitri, President of Visit Owensboro, has joined the Greater Owensboro Music Commission as a key advocate for the role music plays in shaping vibrant communities. With a deep understanding of how tourism, economic development, and cultural identity intersect, Calitri brings both strategic vision and passionate leadership to this new organization.
Read more