Finger Lakes Visitors Connection has selected Tracey Dello Stritto as its next president and chief executive officer.
The official tourism promotion agency for Ontario County announced Dello Stritto will assume the role on Aug. 3, succeeding Alicia M. Richie, who is leaving to become executive director of Chester County’s Brandywine Valley tourism organization in Pennsylvania.
Dello Stritto currently serves as president and CEO of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, where she has led strategic planning, marketing initiatives and business development programs, including the Leadership Ontario program.
A lifelong Ontario County resident, Dello Stritto said she is excited to continue promoting the region and supporting its growing visitor economy.
“Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of championing our local business community and am honored to build on that work as President and CEO of Finger Lakes Visitors Connection,” Dello Stritto said. “With Ontario County experiencing remarkable growth and opportunity, I look forward to collaborating with our community and business partners to strengthen our visitor economy, support local businesses, and inspire even more people to experience everything our county has to offer.”
FLVC Board Chair David Hutchings said Dello Stritto’s experience leading community-focused initiatives makes her well-suited to guide the organization’s tourism and economic development efforts.
Before joining the Chamber of Commerce, Dello Stritto served as executive director of the Partnership for Ontario County, now known as Ontario Cares. She also previously led the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance and held leadership positions at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Red Jacket Orchards.
Ontario County Chamber Board Chair Krista Gleason praised Dello Stritto’s leadership over the past two-and-a-half years, saying she helped position the Chamber as a leader in economic development, workforce initiatives and advocacy.
Gleason also outlined the Chamber’s plans during the leadership transition, saying the board will soon name an interim leader while it begins the search for Dello Stritto’s successor.
“In the days ahead, our board will finalize plans for an interim leader to maintain our strong momentum while we search for our next President & CEO,” Gleason said.
She added that Chamber members should expect uninterrupted service during the transition.
“Members can expect the same outstanding support from our Chamber team during this transition,” Gleason said, adding that she welcomes questions from members and suggestions for potential candidates for the position.
Gleason thanked Dello Stritto for her leadership and said the Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with her in her new role leading the county’s tourism promotion agency.
The announcement also marks the departure of Alicia Richie, who has led Finger Lakes Visitors Connection through a period of growth. During her tenure, the organization launched a tourism data partnership with Ontario County Economic Development, implemented a countywide digital asset management platform to strengthen destination marketing and advanced a multi-year strategic planning framework.
FLVC officials thanked Richie for her leadership and said the organization remains committed to supporting tourism, local businesses and community partners throughout Ontario County.
