Professional Development

Your 2023 Convention Professional Development Committee (chaired by Keryn Means) is hard at work finding great teachers and speakers for our sessions in Puerto Rico.

Introducing our first Keynote speaker:

Brad Dean, Chief Executive Officer
Discover Puerto Rico

With over 25 years of experience in the travel & tourism industry, Brad Dean assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for Discover Puerto Rico in April 2018. Discover Puerto Rico is the Island’s first Destination Marketing Organization and supports the promotion of tourism to foster economic growth throughout the Island.

Beginning his career in Puerto Rico, he first worked as a financial analyst for General Electric, while also meeting his now wife on the Island. In 1993, Brad joined the Rank Corporation as Unit Controller for its Hard Rock Café chain. In 1995, he was tapped to open and lead the Myrtle Beach unit, which became one of the most successful in company history.

Three years later, Brad joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce as its Chief Financial Officer and in 2003, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. Under his leadership, the Myrtle Beach tourism industry enjoyed record growth and the organization was named Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (2015), while also earning full accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Destinations International.

He serves in various leadership roles with a variety of organizations including the U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International and Meeting Planners International. He is a member of the National Council of State Tourism Directors and also serves as Vice-Chair of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Brad has been active with many charitable organizations.

Brad was recently named State Tourism Director of the Year for 2021, by the National Council of State Tourism Directors of the U.S. Travel Association, recognizing the historic achievements in Puerto Rico tourism in recent years.

Originally from Illinois, Brad holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Moody Bible Institute. He currently resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico with his family.

Check back for more information about the professional development offered in Puerto Rico. Interested in being a speaker? Reach out to [email protected].