On January 15, Discover Puerto Rico announced that Brad Dean, the first CEO of the island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), was stepping down from his role to take on a new opportunity as President and CEO of Explore St. Louis. Dean began his new position on February 17.
Dean’s appointment came as Kitty Ratcliffe exited her President role in August 2024 amid controversy over the expansion project of America’s Center. Thomas and Coburn attorney Bob Wallace was appointed interim chief during the search for Ratcliffe’s replacement.
Dean is a graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. He spent 20 years as president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Leading the opening of Discover Puerto Rico in 2018, Dean had spearheaded transformative initiatives that drove unprecedented growth in the island’s tourism industry. Under his leadership, Puerto Rico’s tourism sector had consistently achieved new heights. He now brings his expertise to St. Louis.
MEET
