Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C, has announced key promotions at the executive team and senior staff levels. Dianna Waldroup has been named vice president, convention services. while Letizia Sirtori has been named vice president, tourism and global development, both joining the executive team. Additionally, Alex Gnafakis has been promoted within senior staff to senior creative director; and Lindsay Hill has been promoted to director of visitor experience and group tour and joins DDC’s senior staff.
With over 35 years at DDC, Waldroup leads a hospitality team that provides critical support to meeting professionals, ensuring the successful execution of meetings and conventions of all sizes. Additionally, she oversees a team of over 120 temporary personnel, known as “Redcoats,” who provide on-site assistance at events. Waldroup’s continued close relationships with hospitality leaders across the community contributes to her success. She is a critical part of the sales process as she helps clients succeed and ensures they return. Her new role will enhance customer experience and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders.
In her 17-year tenure at DDC, Sirtori’s leadership and strategic planning has led to her success in the tourism sales and visitor experience department. She focuses on the tourism development of international markets and the creation of strategic relationships with airlines, corporations and other destinations. Sirtori also manages the international representation offices for Washington, D.C. in the U.K., Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, India and Japan. She is a board member of the International Inbound Travel Association.
Gnafakis has led DDC’s in-house creative team in the development of visual content, bringing DDC’s and Washington, D.C.’s brand stories to life. Over the past eight years, her creative assets have reached domestic and international audiences as well as meeting planners and members. Gnafakis’ strategic leadership and branding expertise guided the organization through the development of the award-winning “There’s Only One DC” campaign, the largest and most comprehensive evolution of DDC’s brand messaging and visual style in recent history.
Joining DDC in 2012, Hill’s strategy and vision has led to new programs such as member onboarding, travel advisor training, accessibility, luxury and an extensive university and welcome center portfolio. Hill is the primary contact for all group tour operators and she leads the charge working with the student market. She travels the world to help shape the perspective on what visitors to Washington, D.C. want and need.
For more information, visit www.washington.org.
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