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Destinations International Announces Chelsea Dunlop Welter as Managing Director of the Destinations International Foundation
Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2024) – Destinations International (DI), the world’s leading association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), is pleased to announce Chelsea Dunlop Welter as Managing Director of the Destinations International Foundation.
Chelsea joined Destinations International in 2016, following her tenure at Choose Chicago, where she worked as Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. Since 2021, she has held the position of Senior Vice President of Governance & Administration, overseeing all aspects of administration and operations for the organization, including human resources, while providing direct support to the executive office.
Welter currently manages board governance and supervision for the Destinations International Association Board of Directors, the Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees, and their respective committees and task forces. She will continue in these responsibilities while assuming her new duties.
“Chelsea has been a driving force behind the continued success and growth of both the Destinations International Association and the Destinations International Foundation,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International. “Her contributions over the years have been invaluable, as evidenced by the strong positive feedback from our members, committees and boards. We are excited to see her take on this expanded role and further enhance the foundation's work and impact.”
“On behalf of the board of trustees, I could not be more delighted to congratulate Chelsea on her new role as Managing Director of the Destinations International Foundation,” said Amir Eylon, President & CEO of Longwoods International and Chair of the DI Foundation Board. “Having worked closely with Chelsea for years, we know there is no one more uniquely suited to this role. Her deep knowledge, experience, unwavering commitment and passion for the foundation’s mission – advancing innovation and fostering education, research, advocacy and leadership development – will help drive the foundation’s important work forward.”
She is a graduate of Michigan State University (B.A.) and Florida State University (M.A.), where she majored in History and American Dance Studies, respectively. She currently resides with her family in the Detroit metro area, Michigan.
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About Destinations International
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
About the Destinations International Foundation
The Destinations International Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering destination organizations globally by providing education, research, advocacy and leadership development. The foundation is classified as a charitable organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code and all donations are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.destinationsinternational.org/about-foundation.
About the Author
Tim Smith has 20+ years of strategic communications experience spanning roles in government, industry, agency and association settings. Most recently, he led corporate communications for Delaware North, a global leader in travel, hospitality and entertainment. Previously, he was Managing Director – West Coast at APCO Worldwide and Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Edelman, providing clients with senior communications and public affairs counsel. He has lived and worked outside the United States for more than a decade, including as a U.S. diplomat tasked with promoting trade and investment.
As Vice President of Communications, Tim is responsible for development and execution of strategic communications to support the association’s mission, enhance and elevate brand, and strengthen impact. He serves as primary contact for media and manages communication with global stakeholders, including association leaders, members, policymakers, media, academia, tourism industry and staff.
Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and PRSA Puget Sound, among others. He has three grown children and currently resides with his wife outside of Buffalo, New York.