Discover Long Island, the region’s official and only accredited destination marketing organization, put into effect its updated Board of Directors slate at its Quarterly Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, which includes a new Board Chair, one new Executive Committee Member, as well as new roles for three individuals already among the Executive Committee. The board is comprised of local tourism, hospitality, and business leaders, with a range of expertise in hotel and resort operations, real estate development, government, cultural institutions, attractions, transportation and more.
At the quarterly meeting, held at Long Island’s News 12 Studios in Bethpage, Discover Long Island’s outgoing Chairwoman, Nancy Costopulos, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, passed the gavel to incoming Chairman, Mitchell Pally, initiating his two-year term.
“I am thrilled for this exciting new chapter of our board with Mitch Pally leading the way alongside a talented new slate of local leaders on the Executive Committee,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds, CDME. “Mitch has always been a fierce advocate for our industry and plays a central role in nearly every initiative aimed at shaping the future of Long Island’s powerful, $6.3 billion tourism economy. He has continued to serve as an instrumental pillar of our board in the past, and I know he will successfully lead this board to new heights as Chair.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be given this opportunity to lead one of the most important business and economic development organizations on Long Island, one which produces hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity,” said Mr. Pally. “This is an exciting time on Long Island, with a multitude of both large and small development projects which will benefit both the tourism industry and the larger economic development community, and everyone on Long Island will benefit from our tourism expansion.”
Mr. Pally is the former Chief Executive Officer of the Long Island Builders Institute and current chair of the Midway Crossing Local Development Corporation, chair of the Long Island MacArthur Airport Advisory Board, co-chair of the Long Island Business Development Council, Chair of the Long Island Chapter of the League of Conservation Voters and a member of the Town of Brookhaven Industrial Development Corp. Mr. Pally has also been a member of the board of commissioners of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 14 years and Vice President of the Long Island Association from 1986 to 2010. He has been a member of the board of Discover Long Island for the past six years and previously served on the board of its previous tourism organization, the Long Island Convention + Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission for 12 years.
Other positions approved at the meeting include:
- Marc Weinstein, Owner of Mark of Elegance and former DLI Board Secretary, now serving as Vice Chair.
- Michael Nenner, Area General Manager of Gurney’s Resorts and former DLI Board Treasurer, now serving as Secretary.
- Gus Montesantos, General Manager of Hilton Long Island and former DLI Executive Committee member, now serving as Treasurer.
- Michael Bonakdar, General Manager/CEO of Jakes 58 Casino & Hotel and former DLI Board member at large, now serving on the Executive Committee.
As the region’s official and only destination marketing organization, Discover Long Island and its board are dedicated to enhancing the region’s visitor economy. The organization works to ensure Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Please visit DiscoverLongIsland.com for additional information and the full list of Board Members.
ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:
Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw record-breaking highs in 2019 generating $6.3 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region. Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 10 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views. Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast. To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.
