After a national search, Visit Buffalo Niagara has named Patrick Kaler its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Kaler has more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. His resume includes senior level positions in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe. He currently leads Visit Loudon outside of Washington D.C.
Originally from Illinois, Kaler says he "did his homework" before accepting the position.
"I wanted to make sure that this was a place that I could truly believe in and get excited about, and I definitely feel that about the Buffalo-Niagara region," Kaler said.
"With the momentum and all of the great development and projects that are coming on board, this is the perfect time to be part of the organization," Kaler said.
The announcement was made at a news conference Wednesday morning at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was among the dignitaries on hand for the formal naming.
Kaler will take the reins of the tourism agency at the start of the new year. He will take over from Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, who now runs the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.
