One finalist withdraws from Pinellas top tourism job
September 17, 2019 - Christopher Barrett, president and CEO of Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, has withdrawn from consideration as president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. Barrett was one of three finalists named by Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton last week. The tourism agency did not say why Barrett withdrew his candidacy. Two finalists remain and will be at a Sept. 30 meet-and-greet event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. They are Steve Hayes, president and CEO, Visit Pensacola, and Jeffrey Seifried, president and CEO of Branson Lakes/Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.