Brad Dean

With over 25 years of experience in the travel & tourism industry, Brad Dean assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer for Discover Puerto Rico in April 2018. Discover Puerto Rico is the Island’s first Destination Marketing Organization and supports the promotion of tourism to foster economic growth throughout the Island.

Dean started his career in Puerto Rico, where he worked as a financial analyst for General Electric and met his wife. In 1993, Dean joined the Rank Corporation as Unit Controller for its Hard Rock Café chain. In 1995, he was tapped to open and lead the Myrtle Beach unit, which became one of the most successful in company history.

Three years later, Dean joined the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce as its Chief Financial Officer and in 2003, was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber. Under his leadership, the Myrtle Beach tourism industry enjoyed record growth and the organization was named Chamber of Commerce of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (2015), while also earning full accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Destinations International.

Dean serves in various leadership roles with a variety of organizations including the U.S. Travel Association, Destinations International and Meeting Planners International. He is a member of the National Council of State Tourism Directors and serves as Vice-Chair of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Brad has been active with many charitable organizations.

Dean was recently named State Tourism Director of the Year for 2021, by the National Council of State Tourism Directors of the U.S. Travel Association, recognizing the historic achievements in Puerto Rico tourism in recent years.

Originally from Illinois, Dean holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree from Moody Bible Institute. He currently resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico with his family.