Vacation spot DC (DDC), the official vacation spot advertising group for Washington, DC, welcomes the appointment of Meade Atkeson as chair of the DDC Board of Administrators. Atkeson is at present the realm basic supervisor for Royal Sonesta lodges in Washington, DC and Baltimore, and beforehand served as vice chairperson of the DDC board.
“It’s an thrilling time to be a part of Vacation spot DC and I’m thrilled to step into this management position,” stated Atkeson. “Over the previous eight years, I’ve fought for the funding that we have to hold attracting and retaining conferences and occasions of all sizes, from all over the world. As chair, advocating for funding will stay on the high of my priorities.”
Over a 38-year profession with Marriott and Starwood, Atkeson has operated resort properties, life-style, luxurious, downtown and conference lodges. Having a deep background in gross sales, advertising, income administration and operations, his lodges have been constant overachievers in every of their markets. His management embodies hospitality and creates a tradition of delight, with an engaged, customer-focused staff.
“As former Lodge Affiliation chair and an energetic member of our board since 2016, Meade understands our focus as an financial improvement group. I stay up for his management as we proceed to place Washington, DC on a worldwide stage to earn our fair proportion of holiday makers from all over the world,” stated Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC.
Atkeson was born in Washington, DC and has lived and labored within the space for many of his profession. He was chairman of the Lodge Affiliation of Washington, DC in the course of the pandemic, throughout which he helped develop the tourism restoration plan adopted by the Metropolis Council in 2023.
“DC is fortunate to have such a focus of biotech, schooling, analysis and museums. Town’s robust industries might be companions and advocates for conferences and occasions as we drive financial improvement and create a vibrant vacation spot to dwell, work and go to,” stated Atkeson.
Throughout DDC’s annual board assembly in Might, the next board officers and new members had been confirmed:
CHAIRPERSON: Meade Atkeson, Royal Sonesta Motels, space GM, Washington, DC
VICE CHAIR: Julissa Marenco, assistant secretary for communications and exterior affairs and chief advertising officer, Smithsonian Establishment
TREASURER: Clarence Anthony, CEO and government director, Nationwide League of Cities
SECRETARY: Matt Felix, basic supervisor, JW Marriott Washington, DC
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON: Stacy Smith, basic supervisor, Hyatt Place DC/White Home*
New board members:
- Jason Berry, founder and principal, Knead Hospitality
- Diane Gross, proprietor, Cork Wine Bar & Market
- Tara Higgins, president, Hargrove – SVP, Business, Encore
- Ken Jarka, basic supervisor, Washington Hilton
- Emeka Moneme, president, Capitol Riverfront BID
- Darien Wright, chief monetary and working officer, Nationwide Geographic
