Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) revealed that President and CEO Michael Gehrisch was ending his 15-year tenure with the association.
Gehrisch led DMAI—a global association that represents the destination marketing industry—since the end of 2,000 when it was known by its previous moniker of IACVB. In 2005, he was responsible for rebranding the organization to DMAI, establishing the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program and influencing the significant growth of the Destination & Travel Foundation.
“We are thankful and appreciative of the leadership and significant contributions Michael has made during his tenure which have made a positive impact on the growth and respect of the destination marketing industry internationally,” said Bob Lander, chairman of the DMAI Board of Directors and president of the Austin CVB. “We wish him the best as he moves on to a new chapter in his life.”
In the interim, the DMAI Executive Committee says it will work in support of current DMAI COO, Charles Jeffers, to ensure the organization operates smoothly until a new CEO is selected.
Additionally, the organization has a previously scheduled strategic planning session in October in Dallas with DMAI board and Destination & Travel Foundation trustees, as well as industry leaders that will jointly craft a plan going forward and determine the search process for a new CEO.
“This was a perfect time to turn over the leadership of the organization, leaving my successor with a healthy, prospering and influential position in the market place,” Gehrisch said.
