Destination DC (DDC), the official vacation spot advertising group for Washington, DC, welcomes the appointment of Meade Atkeson as chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Atkeson is at the moment the realm basic supervisor for Royal Sonesta accommodations in Washington, DC and Baltimore, and beforehand served as vice chairperson of the DDC board.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of Destination DC and I’m thrilled to step into this leadership role,” stated 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.”
Over a 38-year profession with Marriott and Starwood, Atkeson has operated resort properties, life-style, luxurious, downtown and conference accommodations. Having a deep background in gross sales, advertising, income administration and operations, his accommodations have been constant overachievers in every of their markets. His management embodies hospitality and creates a tradition of pleasure, with an engaged, customer-focused staff.
“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,” 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 Hotel Association of Washington, DC throughout the pandemic, throughout which he helped develop the tourism restoration plan adopted 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,” stated Atkeson.
During DDC’s annual board assembly in May, the next board officers and new members have been confirmed:
CHAIRPERSON: Meade Atkeson, Royal Sonesta Hotels, space GM, Washington, DC
VICE CHAIR: Julissa Marenco, assistant secretary for communications and exterior affairs and chief advertising officer, Smithsonian Institution
TREASURER: Clarence Anthony, CEO and govt director, National League of Cities
SECRETARY: Matt Felix, basic supervisor, JW Marriott Washington, DC
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON: Stacy Smith, basic supervisor, Hyatt Place DC/White House*
New board members:
- Jason Berry, founder and principal, Knead Hospitality
- Diane Gross, proprietor, Cork Wine Bar & Market
- Tara Higgins, president, Hargrove – SVP, Commercial, Encore
- Ken Jarka, basic supervisor, Washington Hilton
- Emeka Moneme, president, Capitol Riverfront BID
- Darien Wright, chief monetary and working officer, National Geographic
