Burress Named Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau's New President

December 25, 2012

The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau’s Board of Directors has named Jay Burress the new president of the bureau, replacing long-time industry veteran Charles Ahlers.

“We are confident that Anaheim and Orange County will move forward under Burress’ leadership as a major leisure and convention destination,” said Steve Arnold, AOCVCB Chairman of the Board.

He added, “Our destination and partners will benefit substantially from his expertise, collaborative style and drive to succeed.”


In his new position, Burress will lead the organization and oversee the day-to-day management of all convention, tourism and destination marketing programs, according to bureau officials.

He also will play a key role in Anaheim and Orange County visitor industry business development and future expansion plans for the Anaheim Convention Center.



Burress formerly was president and CEO of Experience Arlington (Convention & Visitors Bureau for Arlington, Texas).

Prior to that, he spent 20 years at the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he held executive-level positions in both convention sales and tourism sales.

His experience also includes international marketing, management of six international representation offices and management of five regional sales offices.



“The Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau is admired by many industry colleagues around the world for all it has accomplished throughout the past 50 years in promoting Anaheim and Orange County as a leading destination,” Burress said.

He added, “I am honored to have been selected to lead this excellent organization, and I fully intend to continue their tradition of success. Having been directly involved at many levels in destination marketing and convention business for more than 20 years, I am confident we can blend our collective talents and experience and continue to keep Anaheim and Orange County in the forefront of the industry as a leading leisure and business destination.”


Burress will take office Feb. 11, replacing Ahlers, who announced his retirement in February of this year, after 20 years with the bureau. Ahlers will stay on the executive team in a transitional role until June 2013.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.