After a nationwide search, Experience Arlington announced on Monday that Ronnie Price has been chosen to lead the city's destination marketing organization into the next phase of success. He will start his new position on April 22, 2013.

Price is replacing Jay Burress, who had been chief since 2008. Burress resigned in December to head the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau in California.

"The Board of Directors and search committee reviewed numerous talented candidates during this process. Ronnie's diversified sales and marketing background, and his CVB experience with another top Texas destination made him a great choice,' said Jim Brothers, Experience Arlington Board of Directors Chairman.

Price comes to Arlington with over 16 years of hospitality leadership, sales and marketing experience. Most recently, he worked for the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau where he served for five years as Assistant Executive Director of Sales & Marketing. During his time there, he was responsible for a $20 million annual budget and 44,000 hotel rooms.

"Ronnie has made tremendous contributions to the San Antonio hospitality community . and his positive leadership and sales and marketing acumen will be missed. We congratulate him on this wonderful opportunity and wish him and all our friends at Experience Arlington great success,' said Casandra Matej, Executive Director, San Antonio CVB.

Prior to the San Antonio position, Price worked successfully for Marriott International where he led in different capacities including Sales and Marketing and Revenue Management.

"I am honored to have been selected to take the leadership role with Experience Arlington. I look forward to working with Experience Arlington's wonderful staff, city leaders, and industry stakeholders to develop a strategic plan that builds upon the success Arlington has already experienced,' said Price. "Arlington is primed to grow in many areas and I look forward to being a part of its continued success.' -more-

Price graduated from the University of Houston's Conrad N. Hilton School with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He has served on numerous influential tourism boards and committees, including: PCMA National Committee, MPI National Committee, Valero Alamobowl Board, San Antonio Tourism Board, Paseo del Rio Board and San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association.

Price and his wife, Jennifer, have three children and are excited to make Arlington their home.

Arlington is a top sports and entertainment destination, with more than 7 million visitors annually. The tourism and hospitality industry employs more than 10,000 local residents. To learn more about Experience Arlington, visitwww.experiencearlington.org.