HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2026 05.A. Recognition of retiring Yakima Valley Tourism President and CEO John Cooper 'V
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YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 5.A.
For Meeting of: July 7, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Recognition of retiring Yakima Valley Tourism President and CEO
John Cooper
SUBMITTED BY: Vicki Baker, City Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
John Cooper was hired in May 2007 as President and CEO of the Yakima Valley Visitors & Convention
Bureau (now known as Yakima Valley Tourism) after a four-month nationwide search to replace Kathy
Coffey. At the time, he was President and CEO of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, where he had
spent 14 years leading their tourism efforts. Prior to that, he served as executive director of the Southern
Oregon Visitors Association and the Corvallis Oregon Convention and Visitors Bureau. He has received
multiple industry awards, including Washington State Tourism Professional of the Year in 2003,
Executive of the Year from the Washington Society of Association Executives in 2001, Washington Wine
Commission Tourism Champion in 2015 and in 2025, he was inducted into the State of Washington
Tourism Hall of Leadership.
Cooper oversaw an organization with an annual budget of nearly $4 million, 24 staff members, and
responsibilities for managing the Yakima Convention & Event Center, Yakima Visitor Information Center,
and the Yakima Valley Sports Commission. He was appointed to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
on October 2008 and served on the committee until his retirement.
He stepped down from the role June 30, 2026 after 19 years and is now serving as President of the
Yakima Downtown Rotary Club while continuing to travel for personal reasons.
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25:
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
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