Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chair Bob Lander and President and
CEO Don Welsh today announced the 2016 ’30 Under 30’ Class. DMAI received 95 submissions
for the 2016 experience, the largest response since the program’s inception in 2011.
“Selecting 30 recipients from a record 95 submissions is no easy task,” said Lander. “Our
nominating Committee reviewed every submission, and ultimately delivered an impressive
roster for 2016. I look forward to recognizing these 30 future leaders who have already
demonstrated exceptional potential.”
The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will engage in professional development,
volunteer and networking opportunities throughout 2016. The 2016 honorees originate from a
variety of destinations and backgrounds, from National Tourism Bureaus such as Brand USA and
the Bermuda Tourism Authority to local Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Victoria, Texas and
Macon, Georgia.
Now in its sixth year, ’30 Under 30’ is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global, and
sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The honorees will convene for the first time at DMAI’s Annual
Convention August 1‐3 in Minneapolis, MN. Recipients will be recognized Monday, August 1
immediately following the Opening Keynote featuring Abigail Posner.
“Identifying and investing in tomorrow’s leaders is critical for our industry to grow,” said Welsh.
“I am confident that the program we have developed for this year’s Annual Convention will
inspire and further educate this incredibly talented team of future destination marketing
leaders.”
In 2015, the travel and tourism sector supported 284 million jobs, the equivalent to 1 in 11 of
worldwide jobs. By 2026, this number is expected to grow to 370 million, which will equate to 1
in 9 of all jobs in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, underscoring the
need to develop future industry leaders.
“Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited
opportunity to the recipients,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global.” By
shaping the future industry leaders, we can build an even better future for destination
marketing.”
Class of 2016:
Ashley Andrews, Lake Placid ‐ Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
Andrea Barnhill, VISIT FLORIDA
Kaitie Burger, Discover Lehigh Valley
Rasheeda Burgess, Bermuda Tourism Authority
Torri Christian, Destination DC
Kevin Crowley, Juneau CVB
Neil Curiel, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
Christopher Deschenes, San Francisco Travel Association
Janet Elkins, Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association
Chris Flor, Providence Warwick CVB
Evan Foote‐Hudson, Durham CVB
Veronica Gruber, Macon‐Bibb County CVB
Brandon Holstein, Madison Area Sports Commission
Angela LaTerra, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau
Brittany Lauro, Discover Newport
Chris Lewis, Tourism Kelowna
Melissa McClure, Visit Fairfax
James Namude, Brand USA
Kathy Nishimura, Visit Anaheim
Joel Novosad, Victoria CVB
Megumi Robinson, Experience Columbus
Sarah Rowan, Visit Knoxville
Kyle Schatzel, Team San Jose
Peyton Scheller, Visit Spokane
Abby Terhark, Springfield, Missouri CVB
Nick Tolley, Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority
Rachel Troutman, Visit Indy
Rachel Volbert, Visit Huntington Beach
Megan White, Visit Savannah
Michele Wisnesck, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
For more information contact:
Meghan Risch
R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.
312.388.1174