Visit Baltimore has hired Ronald M. Melton to fill the position of chief operating officer. In his new role, Melton will lead and manage the Operations and Finance Departments where he will oversee the operation of the administrative, information technology, research, human resources, accounting, finance and hospitality functions of Visit Baltimore.

Melton will direct the company’s financial planning, treasury, accounting practices and internal control systems; as well as its relationships with lending institutions, stakeholders and the financial community. He will also be
responsible for overseeing the annual Visit Baltimore and City budgets as a major tool of financial and performance management, and for the monthly preparation and analysis of financial reports.
Melton brings 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the role of Visit Baltimore chief operating officer having most recently served as the executive vice president of services and operations for Travel Portland. Prior to joining Travel Portland, Melton worked as director of finance for the Conference Meeting & Assistance Corp. (CMAC) in Dallas, Texas and spent 10 years as executive vice president and chief financial officer for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. From 1988-1994, he was the director of finance and administration for the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Over the years, Melton has been active with various professional organizations. He chaired several committees for what was then known as the International Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (now called DMAI, Destination Marketing Association International) and served as the chairman of the Host Committee for the National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners. Melton holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Colorado State University. He and his wife, Ormie, have one daughter, Giani, and two sons, Jovan and LeCrea.