Tourism pioneer and founding member of the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau will transition into an advisory role as the organization launches search for its next leader
Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (MICVB) today announced that Tim Hygh, who has served as the organization’s Executive Director for over 15 years, will retire from his position at the end of the 2026 season. The MICVB Board of Directors has initiated a formal search process to identify its next dynamic leader and Hygh will stay on as an advisory role to ensure continuity of the island’s robust tourism, member community, and advocacy efforts.
Hygh played a vital role in establishing the MICVB from the ground up in 2010, building a destination marketing organization that today encompasses the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, and the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Political Action Committee.
One of Hygh’s proudest accomplishments during his career was leading the Public Health Task force for the island during the COVID-19 pandemic, a responsibility that fundamentally reshaped how the organization operated. The lines of communication built between members and the city during that effort established the bureau as a trusted information source and central coordinating body. Those relationships and that infrastructure were then leveraged in a new federal advocacy role, advancing the island's interests before the Michigan Legislature and federal agencies, while also taking on a broader range of state issues.
"It's been fascinating to see how the bureau has evolved over the past 16 seasons,” said Tim Hygh, Executive Director, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “We started by overseeing advertising efforts for the island and then once we merged with the Tourism Bureau our support broadened to include events and promotions. In recent years, we've also worked closely with other island leaders to advocate on key issues like public health during the pandemic, as well as H-2B visa reform and other matters on a state level."
During Hygh’s tenure, meaningful accomplishments include establishing a long term relationship with Advance Travel & Tourism to help market the island on a broader scale and helping the island gain national recognition through top accolades from the likes of Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today’s 10Best.
“Serving Mackinac Island for the past 15 years has been the honor of a lifetime. There is no place like Mackinac Island from its people, beauty, and history, and it has been a privilege to share its story and charm,” said Tim Hygh, Executive Director, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. “I am immensely proud of what our team and our community have accomplished together, and I look forward to watching Mackinac Island continue to thrive under its next chapter of leadership. This island will always hold a special place in my heart.”
"Tim Hygh’s impact on Mackinac Island cannot be overstated," said Todd Callewaert, Chair, Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. "For more than a decade, his passion, leadership, and deep commitment to our community, business owners, and visitors have elevated the Mackinac Island brand to new heights. While we will dearly miss his daily presence and leadership, we are incredibly grateful for the strong foundation he has built and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement."
Executive Search: Position Overview
The MICVB Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify the next Executive Director. The incoming leader will inherit a strong organizational foundation with a unique opportunity to steward a beloved brand and serve a vibrant business community.
This full-time, year-round position will lead three distinct but unified entities: the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, and the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Political Action Committee.
The Board is seeking a visionary leader with a minimum of 5 years of experience in tourism, destination marketing, DMO management, or hospitality. The ideal candidate will possess strong relationship-building skills to manage a dedicated staff of full-time and seasonal employees, coordinate with digital advertising, public relations, and lobbying agencies, and serve as a trusted resource for local retail, hospitality, and civic stakeholders.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and three professional references directly to the MICVB Board of Directors via email at director@mackinacisland.org. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
Click here for the full job description.
About the Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization for Mackinac Island, Michigan - one of America’s most iconic travel destinations. The MICVB oversees destination marketing, state and federal advocacy, and the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, which serves as the island’s chamber of commerce. For more information, visit: www.mackinacisland.org.
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