DMAI Chair Bob Lander and President and CEO Don Welsh announced the 2016 “30 Under 30” Class. DMAI received 95 submissions for the 2016 experience, the largest response since 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.”
The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will engage in professional development, volunteering and networking opportunities throughout 2016. The honorees originate from a variety of destinations and backgrounds, from national tourism bureaus to local CVBs across the United States.
Now in its sixth year, “30 Under 30” is supported by founding program partner SearchWide, and sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The honorees will convene for the first time at DMAI’s Annual Convention August 1‐3, 2016, in Minneapolis, Minn. Recipients will be recognized Monday, August 1.
“Identifying and investing in tomorrow’s leaders is critical for our industry to grow,” Welsh said. “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.”
DMAI’s class of 2016 includes:
- Ashley Andrews, Lake Placid CVB.
- Andrea Barnhill, Visit Florida.
- Katie Burger, Discover Lehigh Valley.
- Rasheeda Burgess, Bermuda Tourism Authority.
- Torri Christian, Destination DC.
- Kevin Crowley, Travel Juneau.
- Neil Curiel, Beaches of Fort Meyers and Sanibel.
- Christopher Deschenes, San Francisco Travel Association.
- Janet Elkins, Meet Minneapolis.
- 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.
Click here for more info on DMAI’s 30 Under 30 program and images of the full class of 2016.
