2026 Business Leaders of the Year: Mark Hecquet

Mark Hecquet and his team are synonymous with tourism in the Springfield area.

Hecquet joined the Visit Springfield, Missouri organization in 2023 and oversaw its 2024 name change from Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc.

“The leadership achievement I am most proud of is helping guide the evolution of our organization from a traditional Convention and Visitors Bureau to Visit Springfield, a more modern, strategic and community-focused destination marketing organization,” Hecquet says.

Hecquet says the name change was about more than a name or brand.

“It required us to rethink our purpose, our structure and how we are seen in the community,” Hecquet says. “We moved from being known primarily as an organization that promotes Springfield to one that helps shape the visitor experience, supports destination development, strengthens our local economy and plays a stronger role as a civic partner.”

He says his team played a big role in the change.

“Organizational change is not easy, but our staff leaned into it,” Hecquet says. “They helped build a clearer direction, a stronger brand and a more focused culture.

“Today, Visit Springfield is better positioned to lead, bring partners together, advocate for the visitor economy and deliver significant economic impact for Springfield.”

Hecquet says his leadership style comprises clarity, trust and accountability.

“I believe a leader’s job is to set a clear direction, build a strong team and make sure people understand why their work matters,” Hecquet says. “During times of change, that becomes even more important. People need honest communication, consistency and confidence in the organization’s direction.”

Hecquet’s leadership philosophy additionally involves turning good ideas into action.

“At Visit Springfield, I hire talented and passionate people, trust their expertise, listen to their ideas and support them in getting things done,” he says. “My role is not to have all the answers. My role is to keep the mission clear, remove obstacles when I can and help the team stay focused on results.”

At Visit Springfield, he says, the organization’s work starts with visitors but doesn’t end there.

“A strong visitor economy supports local jobs, small businesses, restaurants, attractions, arts and culture, sports, events and spaces that residents enjoy every day,” Hecquet says. “I believe tourism plays an essential role in improving our quality of life, building community pride and creating opportunities for both visitors and the people who call Springfield home.”

For Hecquet, leadership is about action.

“I try to lead by showing up, listening, building relationships and helping connect people around ideas that move Springfield forward,” he says. “Whether the work involves destination development, Route 66, sports tourism, community events, advocacy or partnerships with local organizations, the goal is the same: to help Springfield become a stronger, more vibrant and more welcoming community.”