SANTIAGO CORRADA
PRESIDENT & CEO, VISIT TAMPA BAY, TAMPA
With about 80 employees, Visit Tampa Bay works with hundreds of partners to tell the world the story of Tampa Bay. Through marketing, PR and sales, it promotes the area as an attractive travel destination, enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. “For over 12 years, I’ve led this dynamic organization, fostering civic pride and economic vitality,” Corrada says. “We’re not just a part of the community — we help shape it, bringing people together and building partnerships that support our region’s cultural, economic and social development.”
EDUCATION: University of Miami (BS, M.Ed.)
FIRST JOB: My first job was part of a federal summer youth program in Paterson, N.J. I served as a fire marshal, opening fire hydrants in underserved neighborhoods so children could play safely in the summer heat. It taught me the value of public service and community connection at an early age.
DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’ve had the privilege of working for mayors in both Miami and Tampa, and I found public service to be incredibly fulfilling. If I weren’t leading in the tourism sector, I would return to municipal leadership. Local government provides a powerful platform to directly shape lives, deliver essential services, and build stronger, more equitable communities.
SOMETHING SURPRISING: I’m a devout Christian, a former high school and college musician, and a brown belt in karate. I also happen to own one of the largest collections of memorabilia from the iconic rock group KISS.
PASSION PROJECT: For years, I was deeply involved in building one of the world’s largest collections of KISS memorabilia — an expression of my lifelong love for music and cultural nostalgia. Recently, my focus has shifted to supporting my wife’s dream of becoming an accomplished equestrian.
INDUSTRY TREND: The integration of artificial intelligence and the growing demand for sustainability and ethical travel. AI allows us to personalize visitor experiences, predict travel behaviors and enhance ROI on marketing. Simultaneously, sustainability — both environmental and cultural — has become nonnegotiable.
