After more than 22 years of leadership as the Executive Director of Visit Winona, Pat Mutter, (pictured above right, with former Explore Minnesota Executive Director John Edman on left), has announced her retirement, effective March 31, 2025. Her leadership and dedication to promoting the city of Winona as a premier travel destination have helped shape the community and attract visitors from near and far.
Throughout her two plus decades of service, Mutter played an integral role in growing Winona’s tourism industry. Her tireless efforts contributed to numerous successful marketing campaigns, the development of local events, and the establishment of Winona as a vibrant hub for outdoor activities, arts, culture, and history.
“We are deeply grateful for Pat’s significant contributions to Winona and Visit Winona,” said Marcia Ratliff, Chair of the Visit Winona Board of Directors. “Her passion for this community and her visionary leadership have left an indelible mark on our organization and the city as a whole.”
City of Winona Mayor Scott Sherman expressed his gratitude for Mutter’s many years of service. “Her leadership at Visit Winona has driven our community’s growth; marked by consistency, tenacity, and an unwavering passion for showcasing everything our city has to offer,” Sherman said. “Truly, Pat has been one of Winona’s greatest advocates and cheerleaders, and for that, we owe her an enduring debt of gratitude.”
Under Mutter’s leadership, Visit Winona won five statewide and two regional marketing awards. In 2020, Mutter was the recipient of the prestigious Roger Toussaint Award, given by the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus to an outstanding leader for their contributions to the tourism industry. Visit Winona also presented Mutter with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization in May 2024.
“I have seen Visit Winona evolve, grow, and thrive, and I take immense pride in being part of that evolution,” said Mutter. “It has been an amazing 22 plus years with Visit Winona, and I love my job, but it’s time for new adventures. I am grateful to everyone I have had the pleasure to come across in my position and thank you for your support, trust and belief in me.” Mutter expressed her deep appreciation for the support of the Winona community during her tenure. “Community collaborations, support, and engagement have contributed to the success of every festival, event, attraction, program, and hospitality business that Visit Winona works with. Tourism takes a whole community and Winona excels on that front.”
As Mutter embarks on her well-deserved retirement, Visit Winona looks to continue its momentum with a new leader. The organization is now accepting applications for the position of Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have experience in tourism promotion, organizational leadership, and a passion for building connections in the Winona community. The new Executive Director will play a key role in continuing Visit Winona’s mission to attract visitors and support the local economy.
“We are excited to bring in new leadership as we move forward,” said Ratliff. “This is an exciting opportunity to build upon the strong foundation Pat has established and continue to enhance Winona’s reputation as a top travel destination.”
For more information on the Executive Director position and to apply, please review the position posting at visitwinonajobs.com or contact visitwinonajobs@gmail.com.
Visit Winona extends its deepest thanks to Pat Mutter for her decades of service and wishes her the best in her retirement.
About Visit Winona:
Visit Winona is the official destination marketing organization for the city of Winona, Minnesota. The organization promotes Winona as a travel destination, focusing on outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history, and local events. Visit Winona’s office is located at 123 West Third St. in Winona, and its Visitor Center is located at 924 Huff St.