The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has a new leader. The bureau’s board announced its hired Don Welch to become the CEO effective immediately. Welch and his wife are the owners of Prima Pasta Shop in Peoria. The former General Manager of the Peoria Civic Center has held previous positions as the Vice President of the Hotel Pere Marquette, President and COO of Vonachen Services. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Board conducted a regional search for candidates the last several weeks. Former CEO Bob Marx resigned at the end of January.