Solomon appointed to Visit Florida board

John Solomon, director of the Franklin County Tourist Development Council and executive director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, has been named to the 2022-23 Visit Florida board of directors.

Composed of tourism industry leaders and experts, Visit Florida’s board provides guidance, input, and insight for the state’s marketing programs. Solomon’s appointment was confirmed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity in conjunction with Enterprise Florida on June 30.

“As Florida continues to dominate the nationwide recovery from COVID-19 we are honored to have these new members on our board to help us keep the momentum going and propel us into even greater successes in the future,” said Dana Young, president and CEO of Visit Florida. 

Solomon’s appointment to the board became effective July 1 and will run through June 30, 2024.

“I’m humbled at the opportunity to represent rural communities like Franklin County,” Solomon said. “I think it’s a great opportunity that rural communities such as ours and others in Florida will have a voice at the state level helping to make future decisions on tourism for the state of Florida.”

Franklin County officials voiced support for Solomon’s appointment.

“John guides the Franklin County TDC which continues to excel under his leadership,” said Franklin County Commission Chairman Ricky Jones, who also serves as TDC board chairman. “Thanks to John’s clear vision, we have sustained continuous growth since 2019. I am convinced that John will serve Visit Florida with the same distinction he has Franklin County. “

Donna Duncan, president of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce board of directors, agreed. “In addition to his responsibilities with the Chamber and TDC, John is a devoted volunteer for our community. The Chamber board is very proud of his accomplishments and his appointment we are confident he will do a great job on behalf of the Visit Florida Board of Directors.”

Solomon has a long history of community service. He began his public service back in 1995 at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office where he served as correctional officer sergeant and evidence officer for 19 years. He has served as president of the Florida Seafood Festival volunteer board of directors for 17 years and currently sits on the boards of both the Florida BBQ Association and Florida Association of Chamber Professionals.

Solomon has served as executive director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce since 2014. In 2019, the Chamber became the administration of the TDC and Solomon was named the director.

Visit Florida’s 31-member board consists of regional seats appointed to represent all geographic areas of the state, and additional seats that represent key sectors of the Florida tourism industry. The Visit Florida board of directors is the organization’s private sector governing body that, along with the members of its councils, committees and work groups, provide guidance, input and insight into the evolution of Visit Florida’s marketing programs.