Discover Long Island Announces 2023 Board of Directors

Welcoming New Board Chair and Adding Three Local Executives from Jake's 58 Casino & Hotel, Montauk Chamber, and News 12

 

LONG ISLAND, NY (December 2, 2022) — Discover Long Island, the region’s official and only accredited destination marketing organization elected its 2023 Board of Directors at their Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, which includes a new Board Chair as well as three new members.  The board is comprised of local tourism, hospitality, and business leaders, with a range of expertise in hotel and resort operations, real estate development, government, cultural institutions, attractions, transportation and more. 

At the event held at Bijou in Melville, Discover Long Island’s outgoing Chairman, Bryan DeLuca, Executive Director of Atlantis Holdings LLC. ceremonially passed the gavel to incoming Chairwoman Nancy Costopulos, President and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, whose two-year term will begin on January 1, 2023.  Also on the 2023 ballot was Michael Nenner, Executive Vice President of Gurney's Resorts who will serve as the new Board Treasurer beginning in the new year, replacing outgoing Board Treasurer Marc Weinstein, President and CEO of Mark of Elegance Limousine Service.

New members elected to the distinguished board include:

  • Michael Bonakdar, CEO and General Manager, Jake's 58 Casino & Hotel;
  • Leo Daunt, General Manager and Owner, Daunt’s Albatross Motel and Montauk Chamber President,
  • and David Widmer, Vice President, a4 Advertising/News12. 

“I am grateful for Bryan DeLuca’s steadfast support in his role as Chairman through the most challenging time for our industry and I am excited to begin a new chapter with Nancy Costopulos at the helm and with a slate of new, savvy local leaders on our board,” said Discover Long Island President & CEO, Kristen Reynolds, CDME.  “With historic, transformative developments in the pipeline for our region, the diverse expertise and invaluable insight of our board remains critical to guiding our efforts and shaping the future of Long Island’s powerful, $6.3 billion tourism economy.”

“I want to congratulate Nancy for being elected as the new Board Chair. This is a pivotal time for our region, and I am confident that the range of talent, leadership, and industry expertise of our new board will serve Long Island well and ensure the unprecedented momentum for tourism growth continues,” said outgoing Chairman, Bryan DeLuca, Executive Director of Atlantis Holdings LLC.  “I also want to thank Kristen for her continued leadership and dedication to innovation that has established Discover Long Island as industry leaders and taken our visitor economy to new heights.  It’s an organization that I have been proud to represent.”

As the region’s official and only destination marketing organization, Discover Long Island and its board are dedicated to enhancing the region’s visitor economy.   The organization works to ensure Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region.  Elections take place at the annual meeting of the members and new terms begin on January 1 of the following year. Please visit DiscoverLongIsland.com for additional information and the full list of Board Members. 

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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:

Discover Long Island is the region’s official destination marketing and leadership organization charged with furthering the destination’s thriving visitor economy, which saw record-breaking highs in 2019 generating $6.3 billion in visitor spending. The organization ensures Long Island’s coveted quality of life, thriving industries, and dynamic destination offerings are promoted on a global level, furthering economic development, and benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region.  Awarded “Best Social Media” in the nation by the US Travel Association, the organization produces engaging content featuring local businesses and attractions for their 10 social media channels which garner upwards of 10 million views.  Additionally, the organization hosts a popular YouTube series, Long Island TV, as well as the Long Island Tea podcast.  To learn more, please call 631-951-3900 or visit www.DiscoverLongIsland.com.