Destination DC names new Board chairperson

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, has appointed Meade Atkeson (pictured) as chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Atkeson is currently the area general manager for Royal Sonesta hotels in Washington, DC and Baltimore, and previously served as vice-chairperson of the DDC board. “It’s an exciting time to be part of Destination DC and I’m thrilled to step into this leadership role,” said Atkeson. “Over the past eight years, I’ve fought for the funding that we need to keep attracting and retaining meetings and events of all sizes, from around the world. As chair, advocating for funding will remain at the top of my priorities.” Over a 38-year career with Marriott and Starwood, Atkeson has operated resort properties, lifestyle, luxury, downtown and convention hotels. “As former Hotel Association chair and an active member of our board since 2016, Meade understands our focus as an economic development organisation. I look forward to his leadership as we continue to position Washington, DC on a global stage to earn our fair share of visitors from around the world,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. Atkeson was born in Washington, DC and has lived and worked in the area for most of his career. He was chairman of the Hotel Association of Washington, DC during the pandemic, during which he helped develop the tourism recovery plan adopted by the City Council in 2023. DDC’s recent annual board meeting saw a raft of new Board officers and members confirmed: Julissa Marenco, assistant secretary for communications and external affairs and chief marketing officer, Smithsonian Institution, steps up to vice-chairperson and the new treasurer is Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director, National League of Cities. Matt Felix, general manager, JW Marriott Washington, DC, takes over as secretary, while Stacy Smith, general manager, Hyatt Place DC/White House, becomes immediate past chairperson.