VisitPITTSBURGH Names Tom Loftus as New VP Communications

VisitPITTSBURGH, the official tourism promotion agency for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, recently hired Tom Loftus as vice president of communications. Mr. Loftus is a seasoned public relations professional who has extensive experience and background in strategic public relations, communications, crisis communications and media relations.

In this position, Mr. Loftus is responsible for managing and executing all internal and external communications programs, while incorporating multimedia and using digital communication tools that support and enhance VisitPITTSBURGH’s goals and mission.

Previously, Mr. Loftus was director of marketing and media relations for the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA). In this position since 2003, he created a media relations program that brought the ACBA positive local, national and international media exposure. His efforts included television ad campaigns, social media and school programs which are now used as a model by other bar associations across the country. Mr. Loftus also served as a member of the National Association of Bar Executives Communications Committee.

Mr. Loftus said he is looking forward to putting his wealth of experience to use in his new career at VisitPITTSBURGH. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be in a position that will allow me to help enhance this city’s reputation,” he said. “Pittsburgh has so much going for it already, and I’ll be proud to do what I can to promote this great city.”

Prior to joining the ACBA, Mr. Loftus was director of corporate communications for Pittsburgh-based Interstate Hotels Corporation. During his 10 years in this position, Mr. Loftus had the unique opportunity to create a corporate communications department for Interstate, where he served as the corporate spokesperson.

Mr. Loftus is a Pittsburgh native and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English writing. He volunteers as a disaster public affairs team member for the American Red Cross of Western Pennsylvania.

VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. The organization is dedicated to generating conventions, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.