Destinations International Names 2026-2027 Board Leaders
Destinations International has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors and Foundation leadership during its Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon. Visit Lake Charles CEO Kyle Edmiston becomes Board Chair, while Tripadvisor’s Steven Paganelli will lead the Destinations International Foundation as Chair, guiding the organization’s next chapter of global destination leadership.
PORTLAND, Oregon – Destinations International (DI) has announced its Board of Directors and Destinations International Foundation Board of Trustees for the 2026-2027 term during the organization’s Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, marking a leadership transition for the world’s largest association representing destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus.
Kyle Edmiston, CDME, President & CEO of Visit Lake Charles, has assumed the role of Chair of Destinations International, while Steven Paganelli, CDME, Senior Director of Americas Sales at Tripadvisor, has been named Chair of the Destinations International Foundation. The elections took place during the association’s annual business meeting, one of the key events of the convention.
The appointments come as Destinations International continues to expand its global influence, supporting destination organizations through advocacy, research, professional development, and industry resources.
“Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation are strengthened by the exceptional volunteer leaders who serve on our boards and committees,” said Don Welsh, President & CEO of Destinations International. “Their expertise, vision and commitment shape the future of our association and the destination organization profession worldwide.”
Welsh said the organization is grateful for the volunteer leadership that helps guide both the association and its charitable foundation, adding that the incoming board chairs will help build on DI’s growing international momentum.
Edmiston succeeds Leslie Bruce, CDME, President & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau, who served as chair during the past year.
Board of Directors
We are a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(6), and governed by a 34-member Board of Directors which directs the affairs of the association, determines policies, actively pursues its […]
“It is an honor to serve as Chair of Destinations International,” Edmiston said. “Destinations International plays a vital role in advancing destination organizations around the world through advocacy, research, professional development, and the tools and resources our members rely on to strengthen their communities.”
He added that he looks forward to working with fellow board members and the DI leadership team to expand the organization’s global impact while helping members navigate new opportunities and challenges facing the visitor economy.
Paganelli succeeds Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston, as chair of the Destinations International Foundation.
“The foundation is pivotal to advancing the destination organization profession by investing in research, advocacy, workforce development and initiatives that strengthen communities around the world,” Paganelli said. “We will continue expanding the foundation’s impact and ensure it provides the resources and support our members need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.”
2026-2027 Association Leadership
In addition to Edmiston as Chair, the association’s executive officers include:
- Chair-Elect: Rickey Thigpen, MCTP, Ph.D., President & CEO, Visit Jackson
- Immediate Past Chair: Leslie Bruce, CDME, President & CEO, Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
- Secretary: Domenic Bravo, CDME, CTA, CPM, Executive Director, Wyoming Office of Tourism
- Treasurer: Beth Erickson, CDME, President & CEO, Visit Loudoun
Newly elected directors joining the Board include representatives from Longwoods International, Visit Loudoun, Hunden Partners, Visit Quad Cities, Wyoming Office of Tourism, Visit Bentonville, Destinations Texas, Visit Baltimore, Visit Pasadena, Visit Milwaukee, and Visit Phoenix.
Foundation Leadership
The Destinations International Foundation also announced its officers for the coming year:
- Chair: Steven Paganelli, CDME, Senior Director, Americas Sales, Tripadvisor
- Chair-Elect: Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
- Immediate Past Chair: Martha J. Sheridan, President & CEO, Meet Boston
- Secretary/Treasurer: Katherine O’Donnell, CDME, President & CEO, Richmond Region VA
- At-Large Officer: Todd O’Leary, CDME, CTIS, President & CEO, Visit Alexandria
The Foundation also welcomed six new trustees representing destination organizations and tourism industry partners across North America.
As the philanthropic arm of Destinations International, the Foundation supports innovation, research, workforce development, and the creation of new tools and professional development programs that strengthen destination organizations worldwide.
The leadership announcements were among the major governance milestones of the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention, which has brought destination leaders from around the world to Portland to discuss the future of tourism, destination stewardship, community engagement, and industry innovation.
This version follows the editorial style typically used by eTurboNews—news-driven, quote-focused, concise, and emphasizing the broader significance of the leadership changes rather than simply reproducing the organization’s announcement.
