Valerie Sheppard

As Director of Designation Strategy & Operations for Destinations International, Valerie leads the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). She strives to support members on their journey toward accreditation, build awareness of DMAP, and expand the program globally.

Valerie has a passion for designation work and 25 years of experience developing professional development initiatives for nonprofits and government employees, including more than 7 years running the animal welfare industry's only leadership credential. Valerie has a bachelor's degree from Smith College and a master's degree in counseling focused on career counseling from Johns Hopkins University.