Joan Kranovich has been named the new vice president of business growth & director of Sports QC for Visit Quad Cities, the destination management and marketing organization announced.
With the organization since 2009, she began as an intern before moving up through different positions in the Business Growth department. In her new role, she will oversee the organization’s goals to drive economic development through attracting, recruiting, and hosting meetings, conventions, reunions, and sporting events.
“My 13 years with Visit Quad Cities in various functions have prepared me well for this new role,” Ms. Kranovich said in a news release. “I look forward to utilizing my passion for the Quad Cities to inspire, build, promote and tell the story of our fantastic, regional destination. The future is bright for both Visit Quad Cities and Sports QC.”
Ms. Kranovich has worked with signature events such as the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI), NAIA Men’s and Women’s Golf National Championship, Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Championships, USA BMX National events, and Professional Disc Golf tournaments. She also is an active leader in Sports Illinois, Team Iowa, Meeting Professionals International Heartland Chapter, and Destinations International on the Convention Sales & Services Committee & 30 Under 30 Alumni Council.
Visit Quad Cities President and CEO Dave Herrell said in the release: “She has been a pivotal leader throughout her career for our team and the destination industry. We are excited about Joan directing our Business Growth & Service function for Visit Quad Cities with the numerous meetings, groups, and events we actively recruit and service.”
He added that sports tourism is a growth driver for the region “that we must put more emphasis on and scale strategically for our community and I know that Joan can help lead this effort.”
Ms. Kranovich graduated from Western Illinois University-Quad Cities with her Bachelor of Science in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration (RPTA) and her Masters in RPTA, focused on tourism administration. In 2011, she obtained her Certified Meeting Professional Certificate from the Education Industry Council.
Her awards have included: National Connect Magazine 40 Under 40 Award, a Quad Cities Leader Under 40 Award, Destinations International 30 Under 30 Award as well as a National Public Broadcasting Volunteer Management Award Recipient. She has volunteered with the United Way of the Quad Cities Young Leaders, Rock Island Kiwanis, and Jaycees of the Quad Cities.
