Destination Organization Leadership Award

The Destination Organization Leadership Award was created in 2017 and is amongst the association's most prestigious honors, recognizing those outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made a significant contribution to the destination marketing industry and a profound difference in the communities they serve.

Any destination organization leader who has demonstrated a significant and long-term contribution to the destination marketing industry may be nominated. Specifically, one whom has provided leadership, innovation and credibility among their colleagues and has developed a reputation for excellence through the management of their organization and the use of best practices, cutting-edge technology and strategy.

Up to four Destination Organization Leadership Awardees may be honored each year representing destinations in four different budget categories. This year’s awardees include:

  • Marlyss Auster, President & CEO, Visit Ventura
  • Domenic Bravo, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Cheyenne
  • Al Hutchinson, President & CEO, Visit Baltimore
  • Vic Isley, President & CEO, Explore Asheville 
2025 Honorees

Marlyss Auster

President & CEO, Visit Ventura

Domenic Bravo, CDME

President & CEO, Visit Cheyenne

Al Hutchinson

President & CEO, Visit Baltimore

Vic Isley

President & CEO, Explore Asheville

Past Honorees

2024 Awardees

  • Mary Hammond, CDME, Former Executive Director, Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau  
  • Wes Rhea, CDME, CEO, Visit Stockton  
  • Lisa Bethea, Director of Destination Services, Visit Frisco  
  • Leonard Hoops, President & CEO, Visit Indy 

2023 Awardees

  • Melyssa Reeves, CDME, president & CEO, Visit Vacaville
  • Alana Cooper, president and CEO, Discover Monroe-West Monroe
  • Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president and CEO, Visit Lake Charles
  • Jorge Pesquera, CDME, president and CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches

2022 Awardees

  • Marc Garcia, CATP, President & CEO, Visit Mesa
  • Bonnie Quill, CDME, President & CEO, Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Martha Sheridan, President & CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

2021 Awardee

  • Elliott L. Ferguson, President & CEO, Destination DC

2020 Awardee

  • Joe D'Alessandro, President & CEO of San Francisco Travel Association

2019 Awardee

  • Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico

2018 Awardee

  • Caroline Beteta, President & CEO, Visit California

2017 Awardee

  • Rossi Ralenkotter, President & CEO, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority