Destinations International &
Destinations International Foundation Announce Board Members and Officers for 2026-2027
PORTLAND, Ore., U.S. (July 24, 2026) – Destinations International (DI) today announced its association Board of Directors and foundation Board of Trustees for 2026-2027. Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president & CEO, Visit Lake Charles, assumed the role of Chair of Destinations International. Steven Paganelli, CDME, senior director, Americas Sales, Tripadvisor, assumed the role of Chair of the Destinations International Foundation. Elections were held at the association’s annual business meeting during the Destinations International 2026 Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, USA.
“Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation are strengthened by the exceptional volunteer leaders who serve on our boards and committees,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Their expertise, vision and commitment shape the future of our association and the destination organization profession worldwide. We are deeply grateful for the time, counsel and leadership each of these individuals contributes in service to our industry, and we are pleased to welcome our newest directors and trustees. We look forward to the year ahead under the leadership of two outstanding board chairs whose experience and dedication will advance our mission and support our global membership.”
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of Destinations International,” said Kyle Edmiston, CDME, president & CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “Destinations International plays a vital role in advancing destination organizations around the world through the advocacy, tools and resources, research and professional development our members rely on to strengthen their communities. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members and the outstanding team at Destinations International to build on the organization's strong momentum, expand its global impact and support our members as they navigate new opportunities and challenges. I am grateful to Leslie Bruce, CDME, president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, for her exceptional leadership over the past year and thank her for the lasting contributions she has made to our association and industry.”
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the Destinations International Foundation,” said Steven Paganelli, CDME, VP, Global Media & Partnerships, Tripadvisor. “The foundation is pivotal to advancing the destination organization profession by investing in research, advocacy, workforce development and initiatives that strengthen communities around the world. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and the Destinations International team to continue expanding the foundation's impact and ensure it provides the resources and support our members need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. I am grateful to Martha J. Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston, for her outstanding leadership and dedication over the past year and thank her for all she has done to advance the foundation and our industry.”
Association Board Directors for 2026-2027
• Amir Eylon, President & CEO, Longwoods International
• Beth Erickson, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Loudoun
• Bethanie DeRose, CDME, Executive Vice President, Hunden Partners
• Dave Herrell, CTA, President & CEO, Visit Quad Cities
• Domenic Bravo, CDME, CTA, CPM, Executive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism
• Kalene Griffith, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Bentonville
• Kathleen Davis, CDME, President & CEO, Destinations Texas
• Kireem Swinton, President & CEO, Visit Baltimore
• Kristin McGrath, CDME, Executive Director, Visit Pasadena
• Peggy Williams Smith, President & CEO, Visit Milwaukee
• Ron Price, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Phoenix
Association Board Officers for 2026-2027
• Chair: Kyle Edmiston, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Lake Charles
• Chair-Elect: Rickey Thigpen, MCTP, Ph.D., President & CEO, Visit Jackson
• Immediate Past Chair: Leslie Bruce, CDME, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
• Secretary: Domenic Bravo, CDME, CTA, CPM, Executive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism
• Treasurer: Beth Erickson, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Loudoun
Foundation Board Trustees for 2026-2027
• Jessica Ireland, Founder, Sunshine & Bourbon
• John Urdi, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Huntington Beach
• Mohamed Amine Gabbouj, Program Manager, IGLTA Foundation
• Sarah Leonard, CEO, Visit Estes Park
• Todd O’Leary, CDME, CTIS, President & CEO, Visit Alexandria
• Victoria Clarke, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Mississauga
2026-2027 Foundation Officers
• Chair: Steven Paganelli, CDME, Senior Director, Americas Sales, Tripadvisor
• Chair-Elect: Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
• Immediate Past Chair: Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO, Meet Boston
• Secretary/Treasurer: Katherine O’Donnell, CDME, President & CEO, Richmond Region VA
• At-Large Officer: Todd O’Leary, CDME, CTIS, President & CEO, Visit Alexandria
Please visit the Destinations International website for a complete list of the Association Board and Foundation Board for 2026-2027.
Tim Smith is a strategic communications leader with over 20 years of experience across government, industry, agency, and association sectors. He has held senior roles at Delaware North, APCO Worldwide, and Edelman, and served abroad as a U.S. diplomat promoting trade and investment. As Vice President of Communications, he leads strategy to elevate brand, support the association’s mission, and engage global stakeholders. Tim is active in civic and professional organizations and has served on multiple boards. He lives outside Buffalo, New York, with his wife and has three grown children.