Dayton is no stranger to innovation, creativity, and reinvention—and now, there’s a new leader helping tell that story. As Destination Dayton President & CEO John Oney wraps up his first quarter on the job, we thought there was no better way to introduce him than through a casual Q&A.
From his first impressions of Dayton to the vision he brings from his experience in destination marketing, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the person and perspective guiding Dayton’s visitor economy forward.
1. What attracted you to Destination Dayton and this role?
I was drawn to Destination Dayton because of the organization’s clear impact on the region’s economic vitality, visitor economy, and community identity. Dayton has a unique story to tell, and I believe it’s one that visitors, groups, and residents support.
2. In your short time here, what have you come to love most about Dayton and Ohio?
The sense of community, pride and belonging. Plus, the variety of big city experiences (arts & culture, aviation, music, culinary, museums, outdoor recreation, Dayton Dragons, shopping) without the hassles found in a big city.
3. What are you looking forward to seeing and doing here (your personal “Dayton Bucket List”)?
I can’t wait to be a tourist in my own town! 
Exploring the outdoors adventures at Five Rivers MetroParks and hitting the Great Miami Trail kicks things off for me. Of course, I’ll need to stay fueled up and I look forward to doing that at Milano’s, Old Scratch and The Foundry. I’m looking forward to my first Dayton Dragons game this summer along with checking out our amazing arts and culture scene. Then of course, there is pickleball. Looking forward to getting back on the courts asap.
4. What do you see as Dayton’s greatest opportunities, both in terms of meetings, conventions and events, and also leisure travel & tourism?
It always starts with our people. We have an incredible team of tourism professionals that are not only passionate about driving tourism to our region, but they genuinely care about our visitors. And that can be said about all of our hospitality and venue partners. Dayton/Montgomery County is a vibrant region offering a variety of experiences for all business categories. However, one of our greatest opportunities is the ability to collaborate and innovate together amongst hospitality or tourism adjacent organizations. We are focused on investing in our tourism products to further elevate Dayton as a premier destination.
5. What lessons or insights from your past work are you most excited to bring to Dayton?
The best organizations are ones that embrace collaboration, serve as conveners, and tell their destination’s story in a way that feels real and unique.
6. Dogs or cats?
Dogs. Sorry feline friends. You do you.
7. Our slogan here at Destination Dayton is “Discover the Unexpected” – what’s been your favorite “unexpected discovery” here in Dayton?
My number one unexpected discovery here in Dayton hands down has been the warm Midwest hospitality. I mean, I’ve heard about this concept, but wasn’t expecting to really experience it in my normal day to day outside of work. Everyone has been friendly, welcoming, and helpful especially when they learn I’m not from here. To me, this community minded behavior says a lot about a destination and I’m excited for new visitors to experience our genuine friendliness here in Dayton.
8. Tell us something unexpected about John Oney!
I got my start in hospitality in the golf business, where I became a member of the PGA. 
That was a long time ago, so I traded in my golf clubs for a pickleball paddle. See you on the courts!
Also, I’m an aviation enthusiast at heart. Watching the small planes take off and land at my hometown municipal airport are fond memories for me as a kid. As an adult, I’ve enjoyed building and flying RC model airplanes.
9. How do partnerships with local businesses, attractions, and residents factor into your vision?
We simply don’t do what we do without healthy partnerships with our local businesses, attractions and our number one asset…our residents. Success will not be a result of any one organization but, rather a collection of support from within the entire community. Our partners and residents are the heart of the visitor experience. I’m looking forward to strengthening those partnerships that aligns with the needs of our destination and our visitors.
10. Every destination has a unique story. From your early perspective, what makes Dayton stand out?
I think it’s history of innovation is a legacy anchor with so many inventions coming out of Dayton that have had an impact on the world. Our vibrant neighborhoods like the Oregon District, world class arts and culture, a thriving outdoor recreation scene, sports for days are all prime ingredients for our unique story. It provides visitors their own opportunity to find their preferred Dayton experience.
11. If someone is visiting Dayton for the first time, what’s one experience you think they have to have?
If someone is visiting Dayton for the first time, I think one experience they absolutely have to have is visiting the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It’s not only the largest military aviation museum in the world, but it also tells a powerful story about innovation, courage, and the role Dayton has played in shaping aviation history.
What I also love is that it often becomes a gateway experience. After the museum, visitors start exploring the broader aviation story across the community—like Carillon Historical Park or the sites connected to the Wright brothers. It creates a deeper appreciation for Dayton’s legacy of invention and innovation, which is such an important part of the region’s identity.
12. Fast forward a few years—what would you love people to say about Dayton and Destination Dayton under your leadership?
I would hope they say that Dayton and Destination Dayton significantly impacted the visitor economy by investing in tourism assets and strategies that not only delivered authentic experiences for visitors, but also helped to improve the quality of life for residents. In addition, I’d hope that it was evident that together we built:
1. A place that people want to visit
2. A place for people to want to live.
3. A place for people to want to work.
4. A place for people and businesses to invest.
5. A place for more people to want to visit.
13. You come to Destination Dayton from Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, which promotes the Roanoke Region in Virginia. Tell our readers a little about your role there, and the accomplishments of which you are most proud.
I had the pleasure to serve as the VP of Sports & Sales during my time in Roanoke, VA. Together, we supported our mission by recruiting meetings, conventions, and sports groups to our region. Looking back, I’m most proud of creating teams across the region built on trust, goal alignment, and core values that worked together to create economic impact.
As John continues to settle into Dayton and gets to know the community, one thing is already clear: there’s a strong sense of optimism and opportunity ahead.
With a fresh perspective, a passion for destination storytelling, and a genuine curiosity about the region, Destination Dayton’s new president is excited to help elevate the city’s profile—both for visitors and for the people who call Dayton home. Stay tuned as the journey continues and be sure to say hello if you see him out exploring the community.