Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
Annette Pitts, CEO of Experience Olympia & Beyond, has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation through Destinations International, the only certification program specifically designed for the destination management industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity, and the implementation of business strategies.
“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential, the tourism industry’s highest individual achievement,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “These leaders have invested in their education and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry.”
“As the industry’s highest professional achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program pushes destination leaders to think differently in this constantly changing environment,” said Gary Sherwin, CDME, president and CEO of Newport Beach and Company and chair of the CDME Board of Directors. “It is more important than ever for senior executives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to serve their communities in the greatest capacity.”
“The Experience Olympia & Beyond Board of Directors are thrilled that Annette has received this certification ensuring the highest standards of destination management are being applied to our organization. Destination stewardship is at the core of how we run Experience Olympia & Beyond, and we see the CDME designation as one more way we go the extra mile to safeguard the leadership of our organization,” explained Sue Falash, Board President of Experience Olympia & Beyond, and Recreation Manager for Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation.
The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and apply their knowledge, focusing on vision, leadership, productivity, and implementing business strategies.
For more information about CDME or Destinations International, visit the Destinations International website and for additional details on Experience Olympia & Beyond, visit the Experience Olympia & Beyond website.
