With more than 25 years of experience as a destination marketing and management leader Kristen Jarnagin oversees the official regional organization charged with furthering Long Island’s $6.3 billion tourism economy.
A Long Island transplant from Arizona, Kristen’s vast knowledge of destination leadership spans from state tourism marketing, corporate branding and serving as the statewide lobbyist for tourism and economic development advocacy.
Kristen and her team at Discover Long Island work to promote a positive perception of Long Island across the globe, which draws lucrative visitors, stirs business attraction and drives economic development throughout the region. During her tenure at Discover Long Island, Kristen has spearheaded many groundbreaking initiatives and partnerships that create regional synergies and leverage resources.
Collaborations with the Long Island MacArthur Airport, LIRR, LIA, NYC & Co. and all eight regional IDAs have led to award-winning campaigns and a new Economic Development Collective brand to ignite business attraction and economic vitality.
Kristen has been named to the Top 50 Women in Business on Long Island’s Hall of Fame, Power Women of Long Island, City & State’s Top 100 Long Island influencers, Long Island Press Power List and Business Advocate of the Year.
She is a graduate from the acclaimed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and is a Certified Destination Management Executive. Her favorite pastime is discovering Long Island with her two daughters and reigniting the passion for this place we call home for Long Island natives.
• How do you define success? Success is when you’re able to execute your vision to drive professional goals that have a positive impact on your team, your industry, your community and your family.
• What drives you to succeed? I’m driven by the love of what I do and the positive impact that I know destination marketing and branding has on Long Island’s economy. I’m inspired daily by our passionate and dedicated Discover Long Island Team and I’m energized by the love and support of my family.
