Visit Manchester, NH, names Jessica Martin as first executive director

Jessica Martin

Visit Manchester, NH, a newly formed destination marketing organization (DMO) focused on promoting Manchester as a place to visit, experience, eat, shop, stay, and enjoy, has named Jessica Martin as its inaugural Executive Director.

As the City’s new Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Visit Manchester will promote the city as a destination, attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen downtown. The organization will work with local businesses and community partners to showcase the people, places, and experiences that make Manchester unique.

Under Martin’s leadership, Visit Manchester will focus on building awareness of the city, encouraging people to discover what is already here, and creating opportunities for visitors to experience Manchester year-round. Through strategic marketing, tourism promotion, public relations, and signature events, the organization will support local economic activity while helping tell the story of Manchester and what it is becoming.

“There are so many great things happening in Manchester that people simply don’t know about,” Martin said. “There are hidden gems all over this city. Why should they be hidden? We want to tell those stories and help people discover what makes Manchester unique.”

Martin grew up in a small town in Maine before moving to Manchester after earning her bachelor’s degree in business from Southern New Hampshire University. Today she has been a Manchester resident for over a decade, where she has built a life with her husband and two children. In 2020, Martin became Executive Director of Intown Concord, taking the helm during the COVID-19 pandemic. She helped rebuild the organization, support downtown businesses, and bring back large-scale events that reconnected the community.

“As Executive Director, Jessica brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build strong community partnerships, support local businesses, and bring people together around a shared vision,” said Joseph Wichert, Chair of Visit Manchester. “Her proven track record of more than a decade of experience working with businesses, community organizations, and downtown districts will be a tremendous asset as we build Visit Manchester and create new opportunities for our community.”

Visit Manchester will officially introduce the organization to the community at its Launch Party, presented by Brady Sullivan Properties, on September 30 at 4:30 PM at the REX Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased through the Palace Theatre.