Destination DC announces Julissa Marenco Otero as new board chairperson

WASHINGTON, DC - Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, welcomes the election of Julissa Marenco Otero as chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Marenco currently serves as the Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. She previously served as vice chairperson of the DDC board from 2024-2026, and treasurer from 2020-2022.

"I look forward to serving as Board Chair and supporting Destination DC's exceptional team and partners to build on our successes and to continue to market and drive visitation to our nation's capital," said Marenco.

For nearly 25 years, Marenco has lived and worked in the Washington, DC area. A former television and media executive, Marenco is highly regarded by industry and peers alike for her marketing, branding, and business acumen, strategic communications, government and external affairs expertise.

"Julissa's expertise and dedication to our board of directors have been instrumental in our efforts to market Washington, DC around the world," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. "Her perspective and support will benefit us as we make the case for investing in destination marketing and generating economic impact for the city."

"There's only one DC and we are very lucky to be at the epicenter of world class events and happenings, from major sporting events to international gatherings to renowned museums, vibrant arts, and culture, theater, as well as some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world," said Marenco. "It is a city where history, innovation, and hospitality come together every day. I am excited to collaborate with our partners to showcase all that DC has to offer."

The following officers and new board members were also confirmed during DDC's annual board meeting in June:

• CHAIRPERSON: Julissa Marenco Otero, Assistant Secretary for Communications and External Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Smithsonian Institution
• VICE CHAIR: David Kasprzyk, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton
• IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON: Meade Atkeson, Royal Sonesta Hotels, area GM, Washington, DC

Continuing in their current board leadership roles:

• SECRETARY: Matt Felix, General Manager, JW Marriott Washington, DC
• TREASURER: Mike Anderson, Complex General Manager, Canopy by Hilton Washington DC/The Wharf and Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf

New board members:

• Maura Brophy, President and CEO, NOMA BID
• Nick Depner, Managing Director, Sales, United
• Everett Hamilton Jr, CEO, Octane Public Relations and Advertising
• Janice Lachance, JD, FASAE, Executive Director and CEO, American Geophysical Union

• Rahul Vinod, Co-Founder, RASA

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org

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