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Destination DC (DDC), Washington, DC’s official destination marketing organization, is pleased to announce Meade Atkeson as the new chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Atkeson currently holds the position of area general manager for Royal Sonesta hotels in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, and has previously held the role of vice chairperson on the same 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.”
With a rich career spanning 38 years at Marriott and Starwood, Atkeson has managed a diverse portfolio of properties including resort, lifestyle, luxury, urban, and convention hotels. He brings a strong background in sales, marketing, revenue management, and operations, and his leadership at these properties has consistently led to market-leading performance. His approach fosters a culture of hospitality and pride, supporting a team that’s dedicated to customer service.
“As former Hotel Association chair and an active member of our board since 2016, Meade understands our focus as an economic development organization. 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.
A native of Washington, DC, Atkeson has spent the majority of his career in the region. He served as chairman of the Hotel Association of Washington, DC, during the critical period of the pandemic, where he played a pivotal role in crafting the city’s tourism recovery strategy, which was implemented by the City Council in 2023.
“DC is lucky to have such a concentration of biotech, education, research and museums. The city’s strong industries can be partners and advocates for meetings and events as we drive economic development and create a vibrant destination to live, work and visit,” said Atkeson.
The annual board meeting of DDC in May confirmed not only the new chair but also the following officers and board members:
CHAIRPERSON: Meade Atkeson, Royal Sonesta Hotels, Area General Manager, Washington, DC
VICE CHAIR: Julissa Marenco, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Smithsonian Institution
TREASURER: Clarence Anthony, CEO and Executive Director, National League of Cities
SECRETARY: Matt Felix, General Manager, JW Marriott Washington, DC
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON: Stacy Smith, General Manager, Hyatt Place DC/White House
New board members include:
Jason Berry, Founder and Principal, Knead Hospitality
Diane Gross, Owner, Cork Wine Bar & Market
Tara Higgins, President, Hargrove – SVP, Commercial, Encore
Ken Jarka, General Manager, Washington Hilton
Emeka Moneme, President, Capitol Riverfront BID
Darien Wright, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, National Geographic
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