Patti O’Brien is out as executive director of the Durango Area Tourism Office after less than a year.
O’Brien’s last day was Dec. 18, said Sven Brunso, chairman of DATO’s board.
O’Brien took over as executive director in January after serving as group sales manager. She described the position leading DATO as a “dream job” shortly after she began in the role.
Brunso declined to comment on the reasons for O’Brien’s departure. He said it’s DATO’s policy not to discuss personnel decisions.
“After the first of the year, we’ll post the position and go out and do a recruitment push,” he said. “It’s an attractive job, so we’ll get lots of qualified applicants.”
Attempts to reach O’Brien for comment were not successful.
O’Brien succeeded Susan Lander, who stepped in as interim executive director when John Cohen resigned in May 2012 after six years in the job.
DATO’s executive director oversees a staff of six and an annual budget of approximately $850,000. DATO is funded largely by the city and county’s lodger’s tax.
Board member Bob Kunkel also declined to comment on the reasons for O’Brien’s departure. He said the board would support the staff and begin the process of finding a new director.
Brunso said the organization is in good hands.
“The staff that’s there right now is exceptional and very driven,” he said. “We’re confident that they’ll keep things going until we hire the next executive director.”
Before joining DATO, O’Brien worked as a regional account manager for Buzztown, now Tellzea, a product of Ballantine Digital Media. Ballantine Digital Media is owned by Durango Herald parent company Ballantine Communications Inc.
O’Brien, who was raised in Durango, beat out 75 applicants for the DATO job.
DATO is based in the Durango Welcome Center at 802 Main Ave. Established in 2003, the organization promotes tourism in Durango and La Plata County.
cslothower@durangoherald.com
