Brad Burlingame, who had served as president and CEO of Visit West Hollywood since 1997, died on Dec. 8 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 62.
Over his 18 years at the helm of West Hollywood's visitor and tourism agency, Burlingame helped to elevate the Los Angeles County neighborhood into a well-known travel destination in its own right. Helping to promote the city's cultural offerings and accessibility for groups and individuals, he oversaw growth in tourist spending. West Hollywood's largest source of revenue now comes from its hotel occupancy tax.
Charles Jeffers, chief operating officer for Destination Marketing Association International called Burlingame's passing "a tremendous loss for our industry" in an email sent out to members, and requested, "Please keep his family, friends and the staff of Visit West Hollywood in your thoughts and prayers."
In addition to overseeing the growth of West Hollywood's tourism industry, Burlingame served as chair of the California Travel Association, heading its CalTravel PAC and serving as president of its Education and Research Foundation. He also served as past president of the Western Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, which awarded him its Spirit of Leadership Award in 2013.
"Brad's imprint on the West Hollywood community is tremendous," City Manager Paul Arevalo wrote in an email sent to city employees on Dec. 9. "His legacy will carry on for decades to follow."
Known for his love for the Anaheim Angels and sunny disposition, Burlingame was no stranger to tragedy. His brother Charles "Chic" Burlingame, the pilot of American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001, was killed when his plane was flown into the Pentagon a day shy of his 52nd birthday. After losing his brother, Brad Burlingame carried a leather pouch containing a small piece of metal from the plane's wreckage.
Burlingame is survived by his wife, Diane McDavitt, and their daughters Marta and Lora. A memorial service is being planned for January with additional details to come.