Rachel Lenda named Director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism

As part of the latest reorganization of the Connecticut Office of Economic and Community Development, CT native Rachel Lenda (pictured, above) has been named Director of the Connecticut Office of Tourism, succeeding previous Director Noelle Stevenson who retired in 2023.

Whereas most recently the Tourism Director has reported to the Director of DECD, Ms. Lenda will report to Chief Marketing Officer Anthony Anthony - a new position created in 2023. Mr. Anthony in turn reports to DECD Director Alexandra Daum, who was appointed to that position by Gov. Ned Lamont in January 2023.

Previously Ms. Lenda held leadership positions at Hard Rock Cafe and Connecticut's Eastern Regional Tourism District.

In October 2023, Connecticut - characterized at the time by the New York Times as "Stuffy, Preppy, Sleepy" - dropped its "Still Revolutionary" tagline in favor of "Make It Here", which relates primarily to manufacturing, and to which was shortly thereafter added "Find Your Vibe". Objective for the rebrand was announced at the time to be to foster continued economic growth and instill greater pride in residents. Glastonbury ad agency Cronin developed the new branding and logo.