PANAMA CITY BEACH − Visit Panama City Beach has announced three executive promotions to drive Panama City Beach’s tourism growth.
Patrick Stewart has been promoted to vice president of special events, while Chris O’Brien has become vice president of wports marketing and Kristen Krasinskas has advanced to director of sports marketing.
Patrick Stewart, vice president of special events
Stewart is a U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of Florida State University Panama City. Stewart began his career at Visit Panama City Beach as an intern.
Before receiving his promotion, he previously served as sports marketing and special events coordinator, operations manager, and director of special events for Visit Panama City Beach.
“(Stewart) holds multiple industry credentials, including the Sports Tourism Strategist designation from Sports ETA, the Certified Festival and Events Executive credential from the International Festivals and Events Association, and the Professional in Destination Management certification from Destinations International. He is also a recipient of the Florida Festivals and Events Association’s Emerging Leader Award,” the release says.
Kristen Krasinskas, director of sports marketing
Before joining visit Panama City Beach, Krasinskas previously held roles with major sports organizations, including the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Gladiators (AFL), New England Revolution (MLS) and Invictus Boston, a premier CrossFit training facility. She earned a degree in sports management from Springfield College.
“In her new role, Krasinskas will lead strategic efforts to grow the destination’s presence in the sports tourism industry and drive long-term impact through innovative planning and partnership development,” the release says. “She will focus on market expansion by cultivating new national and regional partnerships and leading the development and execution of a long-term sports tourism growth strategy aligned with Panama City Beach’s broader goals for tourism, economic impact and community engagement.”
Chris O’Brien, vice president of sports marketing
Chris O’Brien has been with Visit Panama City Beach since 2015. O’Brien brings more than 20 years of tourism marketing, event management and sports facility experience.
O’Brien holds a master’s degree in sport management from Florida State University and a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University. He is a Certified Sports Event Executive, serves on the Panama City Beach Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and was recently inducted into the Grand Slam Tournament Hall of Fame in 2025.
“O’Brien will continue leading the destination’s sports tourism strategy, driving business development and elevating the national profile of Panama City Beach as a premier sports event destination,” the release says. “Since joining Visit Panama City Beach in 2015, he has helped transform the region’s sports landscape—including developing the nationally recognized Publix Sports Park, which has received multiple national venue awards.”
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Three tourism executives promoted at Visit Panama City Beach
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
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