Professional Credential Program Committee (CDME Board)

The Professional Credential Program Committee oversees the policies and procedures that govern the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program, annually updates all required course work and the final examination, and recruits and trains instructors to teach the required courses. The CDME program recognizes mastery of the various components of the destination organization industry leadership, enhances job knowledge, and provides opportunities to improve the knowledge base of destination organization professionals.

July 2024 - June 2026 Board Members:​

  • Brett Oetting, CDME, Chief Operating Officer, Visit KC (Chair)
  • Gary Sherwin, CDME, President/CEO, Visit Newport Beach (Past-Chair)
  • Kathleen Davis, CDME, President & CEO, Texas Association of CVBs (Chair-Elect)
  • Maura Allen Gast, CDME, Executive Director, Irving CVB (Ex-Officio)
  • Cleo Battle, CDME, President & CEO, Louisville Tourism
  • Victoria Clarke, CDME, CEO, Tourism Mississauga
  • Craig Davis, CDME, President and CEO, VisitDallas
  • Brandy Evans, CDME, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Winston-Salem
  • Kara Franker, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Florida Keys
  • Tavis Hall, CDME, Executive Director, Experience Waterloo
  • Linda John, CDME, Vice President, Destination & Travel Practice, Fired Up! Culture
  • Brook Kaufman, CDME, CEO, Visit Rapid City
  • Tom Loftus, CDME, Vice President of Marketing, Richmond Region Tourism
  • Cassandra McAuley, CDME, Managing Director, MMGY Nextfactor Enterprises Inc.
  • Wes Rhea, CDME, CEO, Visit Lodi
  • Milton Segarra, CDME, President & CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches
  • Terry Smith, CDME, CEO, Destination Cape Breton
  • Ana Maria Viscasillas, CDME, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Business Tourism Services, Puerto Rico

Destinations International Staff Liaison

  • Taylor Ruoff Snider, Senior Manager, Professional Development
  • Jack Johnson, Chief Advocacy Officer

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