Professional Development Committee (Annual Convention Program Planning Committee)

The Professional Development Committee (Annual Convention Program Planning 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.

2025 Committee Members

  • Amy Zientek, Director of Sales & Services, Visit Lubbock (Co-Chair)
  • Anthony Cordo, Executive Vice President, Visit Lauderdale
  • Brittany Jones, Senior Visitor Experience & Project Manager, Discover Durham
  • Christy Jobman, Senior Marketing Manager, Global Destinations, Sojern
  • Cindy Lee, Business Intelligence & Tourism Insights Manager, Visit Pasadena
  • Edward Harris, President & CEO, Visit Williamsburg
  • Erin Francis-Cummings, CEO, Future Partners
  • Fran Belasco, Operations Director, Fort Myers-Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods
  • Jackie Saunders, Vice President, Destination Strategy, Clicktripz
  • James Leppan, Senior Manager, Destination Development, Explore Edmonton
  • Jennifer Bowen, VP of Destination Development & Community Engagement, Destination Augusta
  • Jennifer Chance, Chief Operating Officer, Visit Jackson
  • John Lambeth, Founder & CEO, Civitas
  • John Pricher, Vice President of Marketing, Explore Brookhaven
  • Jonathan Freeze, CDME, EDP, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Jonathan Keslow, Director, Epsilon
  • Julie Hart, President & CEO, CFO by Design, Inc.
  • Julie Pingston, President & CEO, Choose Lansing
  • Kim Chapman, Director of Hospitality and Information, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
  • Lauren Bourgoing, Vice President, Miles Partnership
  • Magan O'Hara, Tourism Marketing Manager, New Orleans & Company
  • Mark Hecquet, President / CEO, Springfield MO CVB
  • Matt Algarin, Tourism Director, Walton County Tourism/Visit South Walton
  • Matt Clement, Executive Vice President, Madden Media
  • Matt Vinson, Director, Digital Marketing, Visit Dallas
  • Nicole Picton, Director, People & Culture, Ottawa Tourism
  • Sara Toliver, President/CEO, Visit Ogden
  • Sonya Nash, Executive Director, Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB
  • Stephen Ekstrom, CEO & Co-founder, Learn Tourism
  • Sydney Patterson, Marketing Manager, Visit Fort Worth
  • Trace Ward, Executive Director, Discover Flagstaff
  • Wes Rhea, President & CEO, Visit Lodi (Co-Chair)

Destinations International Staff Liaison

  • Rori Ferensic, Senior Vice President of Professional Development

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