Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees

The Destinations International Foundation is a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3), and is governed by a Board of Trustees which directs the affairs of the Foundation, determines policies, actively pursues its purpose and supervises the disbursements of funds. 

Nominations are Now Open!

Nominations are now open for three-year terms beginning July 2026 on the Destinations International Board of Trustees.

Board members play a vital role in shaping the future of our association and Foundation. We are seeking individuals who bring strategic thinking, active engagement and a commitment to advancing the destination organization industry.

Candidates should be prepared to contribute thoughtfully, participate fully in board and committee work, champion our mission across the industry and support the Foundation through meaningful annual investment.

Ideal candidates demonstrate integrity, accountability, respect for diverse perspectives and a collaborative, community-focused mindset.

Destinations International and the Foundation is committed to cultivating a tourism industry that reflects the full spectrum of human diversity. We encourage nominations that reflect the varied communities we serve.

To learn more about Board & Governance expectations please click here.

Nominations close on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Click Here to Nominate Yourself or a Colleague

Executive Committee

Martha Sheridan

President & CEO, Meet Boston
Foundation Chair

Steven Paganelli, CDME

Senior Director, Americas Sales, Tripadvisor
Foundation Chair Elect

Adam Burke

President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Foundation Secretary/Treasurer

Amir Eylon

President & CEO, Partner, Longwoods International
Foundation Immediate Past Chair

Katherine O'Donnell, CDME

President & CEO, Richmond Region Tourism
At Large Officer

John Percy, CDME

President & CEO, Destination Niagara, USA
Ex-Officio
Board of Trustees

Renée Areng, CDME

President & CEO, HMA Hospitality Consultants

Jerad Bachar, CDME

President & CEO, VisitPITTSBURGH

Victoria Clarke, CDME

CEO, Tourism Mississauga

Zac Craig

President & CEO, Visit Oklahoma City

Jayne DeLuce, CDME

President & CEO, Experience Champaign-Urbana

Kyle Edmiston, CDME

President & CEO, Visit Lake Charles
Association Chair Elect

Kara Franker, CDME

CEO, Visit Florida Keys

Julie L. Gilbert, CDME

Chief Marketing Officer, Explore St. Louis

Jessica Ireland

Founder, Sunshine & Bourbon

Barbara Karasek

CEO, Paradise - a partner for good & AiOpti Media LLC

Alex Michaels, CDME

President & CEO, Discover Lehigh Valley

Angela Nelson, CTA

Vice President of Equity & Partnership, Travel Portland

Paul Nursey

President & CEO, Destination Greater Victoria

Todd O'Leary, CDME, CTIS

President & CEO, Visit Alexandria

William Pate

President & CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Milton Segarra, CDME

President & CEO, Discover The Palm Beaches

Gregg Shapiro

President & Chief Creative Officer, Tempest

Mya Surrency

Founder, Go Fish Tourism + Business

Rickey Thigpen, MCTP, Ph.D

President & CEO, Visit Jackson
Association Treasurer

Upcoming Board Meetings

The Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees will be meeting on the following dates:

  • Q2 2026: March 30, 2026, Newport Beach, CA
  • Q3 2026: July 20, 2026: Portland, OR
  • Q4 2026: December 8-9, 2026, TBD