Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau Elevates Jonathan Walker to Executive Director of Rhode Island Sports Commission
The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) has announced the promotion of Jonathan Walker to executive director of the Rhode Island Sports Commission (RISC), a strategic move aimed at boosting sports tourism in the state. In his new role, Walker will lead the sales, marketing, and service initiatives for sports organizations considering Rhode Island as a venue for competitions and related events.
“I take great pride in representing the Ocean State nationally as a premier place to play,” Walker expressed, emphasizing Rhode Island as an affordable and welcoming destination for year-round sporting activities. Having joined PWCVB in 2019 as the senior director of sports sales, Walker has been instrumental in promoting the state as a competitive site for sports events.
Under his leadership, the RISC successfully booked 65 events in fiscal year 2025 alone, generating almost 60,000 hotel room nights and yielding an estimated direct spending of over $40 million. Since his tenure began, Walker has facilitated more than 150 sporting events in Rhode Island, leading to over 160,000 hotel bookings and drawing nearly half a million attendees. The economic impact of these events has surpassed $115 million, supporting around 51,000 jobs in the area.
“Jonathan has been a tremendous asset to both our team and the state,” said Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the PWCVB. “He’s a natural leader who has enhanced Rhode Island’s sports tourism profile, built strong industry relationships, and delivered real economic impact.”
Walker’s career began in 2014 with the PSE Agency and included working with the Pawtucket Red Sox before joining the PWCVB. His promotion now positions him to drive Rhode Island’s sports tourism to new heights.
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