DES MOINES, Iowa (March 5, 2025) – Catch Des Moines today announced the retirement of President and CEO Greg Edwards, marking the end of an era, and an extraordinary career dedicated to promoting Greater Des Moines as a premier tourism destination. Edwards, who joined the organization in 2000, will step down later this summer, but will stay on to help with the leadership transition. A search committee put together by the Catch Des Moines Executive Committee will work alongside SearchWide Global, an industry leading national search firm, to identify a leader who will continue to build on Edwards’ legacy.
 

“It's been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our community in this position,” said Edwards. “Seeing the region evolve into this vibrant and thriving destination and working alongside everyone who has been a part of this journey has been truly remarkable and humbling. I believe the foundation that we’ve built here with the incredible team at Catch will ensure that the tourism industry here will continue to flourish and grow.” 
 

Edwards served 25 years at the helm of Catch Des Moines and under his leadership, significantly expanded the region’s presence on the national stage, achieving many milestones including: 
 

  • Leading the charge to bring marquee events to the region including NCAA Wrestling Championships, NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds, AAU Junior Olympic Games, and the National Speech and Debate Tournament.  

  • Championing landscape altering projects like Wells Fargo Arena, the Downtown Hilton convention hotel, MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, Lauridsen Skatepark, and the ICON Water Trails.  

  • Serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Destinations International, the travel industry’s premier global association serving destination organizations worldwide.  

  • Reorganizing the Des Moines Area Sports & Tourism Commission, and more than tripling convention, sports, and event bookings since 2000. 
     

“Greg is truly a one-of-a-kind leader, whose infectious energy, passion, and drive leave an indelible mark on everyone he comes into contact with,” said Brian Mulcahy, assistant executive director of the Des Moines Airport Authority and Catch Des Moines Board Chair. “He’s Des Moines’ biggest cheerleader and his leadership has been transformational for the region. His legacy extends well beyond the boardroom and leaves a lasting impact that has set us up for success heading into this next chapter.”  
 

Edwards, a Peoria, Illinois native, previously led convention and visitors bureaus in Overland Park and Peoria, culminating in more than 40 years of hospitality experience. He has been the recipient of many awards and helped lead many statewide initiatives to strengthen tourism efforts.

About Catch Des Moines 

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, collectively known as Catch Des Moines, is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 14 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.