Collier County’s tourism director is resigning to pursue another career opportunity and for family

In part to be closer to family, Paul Beirnes has resigned from his position as director of tourism for Collier County.

His departure date is November 10th, and the county revealed in a terse statement that he is going to pursue “another career opportunity.”

The bureau stated that “a search is underway for his replacement at this time.”

Beirnes, 59, said in his resignation letter to the deputy county manager that he made the decision to quit his position with “mixed emotions,” but that he did so with his family in mind, according to a recent article by Laura Layden of the Naples Daily News.

“My daughter moved out of state, and I recently took a position in the business someplace that will enable my family to be closer to her. Family has always been the most important thing to me, so even though this choice is difficult, I’m making it with their best interests in mind,” he said.

As the spokesperson for Collier County’s tourist sector, Beirnes has been the executive director of the Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau for about two and a half years.

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International selected him as one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds” for 2022. The yearly list honors exceptional performance and leadership in the areas of distribution, marketing, sales, and revenue optimization for the hospitality industry.

As a deputy director, Beirnes began working for Collier’s tourism bureau in November 2020 and quickly had an impact.

Jack Wert, the longstanding director of the bureau for more than 20 years, said he felt at last at ease retiring and leaving the work in capable hands with a very competent support staff after witnessing him in action. During that period, he called Beirnes a “superstar.”

In June 2021, Beirnes took over the premier position.

He described it as a “distinct honor” to be in charge of the county’s tourist initiatives in an email on Tuesday.

The article can originally be found in the Naples Daily News.