Professional Development Committee

The Professional Development Committee is responsible for reviewing session proposals and curating Annual Convention concurrent session content that is engaging, relevant, and valuable to the industry. The committee shall identify key topics and speakers, design and structure the program content, and ensure that sessions meet the strategic priorities and diverse needs of our audience. The committee is also responsible for recommending content that may be appropriate for Summits as well as other delivery formats. Through continuous analysis, evaluation, and feedback, the committee aims to deliver high-quality programming that enhances the knowledge and skills of attendees, while ensuring accessibility and alignment with current industry trends.

2026 Committee Members

  • Alexis Adelson, Brand USA
  • Amy Zientek, Co-Chair, CDME, Visit Lubbock
  • Angie Brady, CDME, TMP, Visit Clarksville TN
  • Anthony Cordo, CDME, CMP, CHIA, Guilford County / Greensboro Tourism Development Authority
  • Carly Sebouhian, PDM, Afar
  • Courtney Cacatian, MTA, CACVB
  • Dan Cook, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
  • Danielle Hollander, Visit Orlando
  • Faith Harris, Discover Valdez
  • Heather Daniel, Explore Newnan-Coweta
  • Heaven Turner, PDM, Tourism Economics
  • James Leppan, CDME, Explore Edmonton
  • Jennifer Chance, Visit Jackson
  • John Lambeth, Civitas
  • Jon Hixon, Travel Portland
  • Jonathan Smith, VisitGreenvilleSC
  • Julie Hart, CFO by Design
  • Julie Pingston, CDME, CMP, CTA, Choose Lansing
  • Justin Bresler, Visit Denver
  • Kahlia Gainey, Visit Greater Palm Springs
  • Katie Cook, Zartico
  • Lauren Bourgoing, Miles Partnership
  • Linda Landry (Odell), SHRM-CP, Visit Sacramento
  • Marsha Alleyne, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
  • Mykenzie Johnson, Visit Franklin
  • Nicole Picton, Ottawa Tourism
  • Nicole Stacey, Visit Pensacola
  • Pamela Laite, DCI
  • Peggy Williams-Smith, Visit Milwaukee
  • Sandy Christensen, MPA, CDME, CAE, Meet Minneapolis
  • Sara Toliver, CDME, Visit Ogden
  • Sarah Inboden, CMP, Tulsa Regional Tourism (Visit Tulsa)
  • Sherri Brown, Visit Tampa Bay
  • Sonya Nash, CDME, Lagrange County CVB
  • Stephen Ekstrom, Learn Tourism
  • Tim Crouson, CTA, Destination Ann Arbor
  • Tori DeMarco, Tempest
  • Wes Rhea, Co-Chair, CDME, Visit Lodi
  • Whitney Chaney, Visit SLO CAL
  • Whitney Waara, CDME, Traverse City Tourism
  • Yair Fraifeld, Destination DC

Destinations International Staff Liaison

  • Rori Ferensic, Senior Vice President of Professional Development

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