Former President & CEO of Visit Indy Dies at 89

 

The former president and CEO of Visit Indy, Bill McGowan, died December 18 at the age of 89. McGowan served as CEO of what was then known as the Indianapolis Convention Visitor Association (ICVA) from 1984 to 2002 after an accomplished career in banking.  

McGowan is remembered as a champion of Indianapolis’ tourism industry and one of the driving forces behind the destination’s rise to become a top convention destination. During his tenure at the organization, McGowan helped the city secure the 1982 National Sports Festival and the 1987 Pan American Games; played a key role in the development of the Hoosier Dome and bringing the Indianapolis Colts to Indy; and rallied support for the creation of White River State Park, Circle Centre Mall and the expansion of the Indiana Convention Center along with bringing many new citywide events to the city.

“Bill was the first person to call me when I was named the CEO of Visit Indy in March 2011,” wrote current Visit Indy President & CEO Leonard Hoops in a LinkedIn post. “And [he] was unwaveringly supportive of Visit Indy and our community until his last day. We are grateful for Bill's vision and leadership, knowing that everything we do today was built on his very broad shoulders.”

McGowan was a four-time recipient (from four different governors) of Indiana’s highest award, the Sagamore of the Wabash. In 2004, Visit Indy created the Bill McGowan Leadership Award to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Indianapolis tourism industry. Other award winners include WNBA player Tamika Catchings (2022), David Letterman (2020) and Peyton Manning (2019).

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