After more than two decades in the role, Laurie Paolicelli recently announced this year is her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau. 

Her retirement, effective Nov. 2., will conclude her work in leading CHOCVB through a “period of significant growth and transformation,” according to a May 12 release announcing the news. Paolicelli took to social media to share her gratitude. 

“It’s been 20-plus years of connecting visitors to our communities,” Paolicelli wrote in the post. “Great campaigns with our ad agency’s creativity, festivals, international soccer, and sold-out crowds. Global leaders always ready with a plan and a laugh. Hospitality partners who made visitors feel welcome from the first hello.

“Outreach campaigns and banners that helped people find our stories,” she continued. “Preserving heritage and building local business districts. Volunteer teams and grassroots efforts that powered our events. Evening galas and awards, celebrating the impact we made together. Reminders that tourism is about community.”

In partnership with community stakeholders, her efforts have helped expand the local tourism industry by increasing the scale and diversity of major events, drawing thousands of visitors each year to downtown shops and restaurants. Notably, last month’s Savannah Bananas games held at Kenan Stadium generated more than $17 million in direct economic impact for the Town of Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas. Since 2023, major soccer games played at the UNC athletic facility have also been a contributor in attracting a significant number of overnight and day visitors. 

Tuesday’s announcement highlighted the need for personal, face-to-face hospitality and tourism in an increasingly digital world. The statement celebrated the executive director’s ability to position those values as key contributors to the local economy, elevating the visibility of Orange County as a place to live, visit, and invest.

“[Paolicelli’s] leadership has been instrumental in shaping Orange County’s tourism economy,” CHOCVB Chair D.R. Bryan shared in the release. “Her focus on results, commitment to priorities, and consistent presence across the many events in Orange County have reminded us of the number and variety of tourism and hospitality attractions our county offers visitors and locals.”

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