Riedy to retire after 22 years guiding Visit Lake County tourism initiatives
After 22 years guiding efforts to make Lake County a well known place to see and experience, Maureen Riedy is retiring as president of Visit Lake County.
Arriving in Lake County in 2004 from what was then called the Greater Woodfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Riedy has overseen the evolution of the organization into a nationally recognized, professionally certified destination marketing organization.
“Maureen’s visionary leadership over the past 22 years has been the cornerstone of our regional tourism success, transforming Visit Lake County into a gold standard for destination marketing,” said David Motley, Waukegan's director of public relations and communications and chair of the 17-member tourism organization’s board of directors, announcing the leadership transition.
Lifelong county resident John Maguire, senior director of community engagement, will succeed Riedy as president May 1.
“To see the organization grow and flourish and continuing our scope of work and impact is a highlight,” Riedy said of her tenure.
The organization is comprised of 18 municipal partners plus Lake County. It also has 200 industry partners including hotels, attractions and hospitality-related industries and is the third-largest tourism economy in the state behind Cook and DuPage counties.
During its annual luncheon last fall, Visit Lake County reported visitor spending had risen in 2024 to $1.96 billion generating $71.1 million in local tax revenue and nearly $136 million in state tax revenue.
“This industry is a powerful driver of economic opportunity,” Riedy said at the time.
Founded 40 years ago and still officially designated as Lake County, Illinois Convention & Visitors Bureau, the organization rebranded in 2011 and refreshed its logo by replacing the tag “Natural Places Fun Spaces” with the VisitLakeCounty.org.
“It's much more visitor friendly,” Riedy said.
Among the first convention and visitor bureaus to embrace digital marketing, the organization is known for its social media presence, signature promotions such as “Let the Ride Take You,” and campaigns to engage audiences on different levels.
“The shift has been dramatic with the rise of social media,” Riedy noted. “We started really elevating our organization, our structure and forging stronger partnerships.”
Greg Koeppen, executive director of the Lake County Farm Bureau, who has been on the Visit Lake County board for nearly 20 years, says Riedy leaves a lasting legacy.
“Her work helped transform the county into a recognized tourism destination, and her leadership at the state level further amplified that impact,” he said. “She led with professionalism, integrity and humility every step of the way.”