Sparking Ideas. Creating Solutions.

Sparking ideas. Creating solutions.
Smarter thinking for what’s next.

Client Categories.
Civic
NONPROFIT
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Areas of Impact.

Partnership Design and Development.
Ready to reinvent or refresh a partnership strategy? With extensive experience growing critical relationships for organizations, Nina works with teams to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions for partnership, sponsorship and membership programs.
New Initiatives and Projects.
How does a great concept come to life? Nina crystalizes clients’ ideas to create actionable plans. From the initial stages of brainstorming to the final execution steps, she helps transform creative thinking into realized, powerful initiatives.
Strategic Planning.
How can an organization succeed as the world swiftly changes, especially in light of Covid? Nina draws on her experience working in changing, dynamic environments to design or refresh strategic plans for future challenges and opportunities, whether a month from now or years ahead.
“What amazes me about Nina – and what I really appreciate – is her unique ability to see opportunities and possibilities that no one else sees. She is not only creative, with great ideas and the big picture, but is one of those rare souls who cannot only see but execute to bring the idea to fruition.”
Brad Lewis
Director at Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission
Meet Nina Winston.
Nina Winston contributes more than two decades of executive and leadership experience in the public, civic, destination travel and nonprofit sectors to her work at Nina B. Winston Consulting. Most recently, Nina was Executive Vice President for Destinations International, based in Washington D.C., the world’s largest resource for destination organizations. In her role, she oversaw global development, strategic alliances and member and partner relations.
As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism arm, Nina supported the organization’s goal to bring regional, national and international business and leisure visitors to Chicago for its economic benefit. Among her achievements, she developed relationships and organization-wide strategies that delivered over $15 million in new revenue from public and private sector partners, including leading Fortune 100 companies as well as state and local government.


Chicago has been Nina’s home base for more than 30 years. She cares deeply about making a difference in her community. Her volunteer leadership roles include working with numerous arts and cultural organizations, including Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Get to know me.
I live in Chicago, a city I have been proud to call my home for over 30 years. With more than two decades of executive and leadership experience in the public sector, civic, travel and nonprofits, I am here to help you and your team tackle complex challenges, develop new and impactful programs and build strategic relationships. I pride myself on my practical, innovative, collaborative and energetic approach.

An experienced presenter and advocate, I have presented in numerous settings, facilitated and moderated important discussions and served as an advocate around key issues. With a deep understanding of 501(c)(6) and 501(c)(3) organizations, state and local government, and how these entities interface with the corporate sector, I can help deliver your goals and your message in effective and relevant ways.

A lifelong learner, I received a Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University in Chicago and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, where I focused on analytical and leadership skills along with global and cross-cultural perspectives. I continue to make the world my classroom, and have a voracious appetite for finding new trends, ideas and initiatives from which we can all learn.
Learn more about me here.

I bring a level of determination, curiosity and creativity that can help you and your organization move forward.
Client and Colleague Reviews.

Don Welsh
President & CEO, Destinations International

“Nina’s understanding of civic projects and programs combined with her ability to lead community engagement efforts brings positive impact and results. She sees opportunities and connections that others might miss.”
Alicia Berg
Assistant Vice President, Campus Planning + Sustainability at The University of Chicago

Tammy Blount-Canavan
FCDME, Executive VP/Principal Destination & Travel Practice, FiredUp! Culture

“Nina’s strategic and collaborative approach in launching new, multi-stakeholder initiatives empowered our team to move forward with a common vision when the James Beard Foundation Awards relocated to Chicago from New York City in 2015. Her understanding of the nonprofit sector coupled with her expertise in civic affairs and tourism laid the groundwork for our success in Chicago.”
David Bowen
President & Founder, Bowen & Company, Producer, James Beard Foundation Awards

Molly Turner
Urban Tech Startup Advisor, former Policy Director Airbnb

Eduardo Chaillo
CMP, CMM, DES, Global Meetings & Tourism Specialists, LLC

Brad Lewis
Director at Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission

Steven Paganelli, CDME
Director | Destinations, Hotels and OTAs, Americas, Tripadvisor

Don Welsh
President & CEO, Destinations International

Alicia Berg
Assistant Vice President, Campus Planning + Sustainability at The University of Chicago

Tammy Blount-Canavan
FCDME, Executive VP/Principal Destination & Travel Practice, FiredUp! Culture

David Bowen
President & Founder, Bowen & Company, Producer, James Beard Foundation Awards

Molly Turner
Urban Tech Startup Advisor, former Policy Director Airbnb

Eduardo Chaillo
CMP, CMM, DES, Global Meetings & Tourism Specialists, LLC

Brad Lewis
Director at Nevada Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission

Steven Paganelli, CDME
Director | Destinations, Hotels and OTAs, Americas, Tripadvisor
Let’s work together.

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