Restaurateur Takes WCTC Helm

The Washington, D.C., Convention and Tourism Corporation has tapped a prominent local restaurateur as its new chair. Dan Mesches, president and C.E.O. of Star Restaurant Group (which runs the swanky Zola and Indigo Landing), will lead the 39-member board of directors of the capital’s primary marketing group.

Mesches already chairs WCTC’s brand strategy task force, which launched its big destination brand research project (also known as “find D.C. a motto”) last fall. The results will determine the organization’s next steps, Mesches said.“We need to put the findings ... into action to remain competitive in this global travel environment and introduce visitors and convention-goers to the energy and experiences throughout the entire city,” he said in a press release. “It’s essential for local residents and decision makers to understand the depth of the travel and tourism sector and how vital it is to the future growth of D.C.’s economy.”

The $12 million marketing organization also named four new members to its board, which will convene on July 26: John Catoe, general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority; Greg McCarthy, senior director of the ballpark district for the Washington Nationals baseball club; Oren Molovinsky, area general manager of the Kyma and Mie N Yu restaurants; and Alex Orfinger, publisher of The Washington Business Journal.