WASHINGTON, D.C. – Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C., has announced promotions at the executive level. Claire Carlin has been named senior vice president of partnerships & alliances and Tara Miller is director of global sales.
“I’m fortunate to lead a group of exceptional individuals who have navigated our organization through numerous challenges,” says Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “With the infusion of additional funding for marketing and sales through the Tourism Recovery District legislation, Claire and Tara play a pivotal role in executing our strategy to expand and strengthen our membership, as well as draw global meetings to Washington, D.C., I take pride in their dedication.”
Claire Carlin, senior vice president
Carlin focuses on the needs of DDC’s partners, members, and the American Experience Foundation. Claire joined DDC in 2015 as vice president of partnerships and alliances. She leads a team that manages nearly 1,000 members, plus 30 sponsors and strategic partners. In addition, a DEI Business Fellowship program was created under her leadership. The program offers free membership and technical training to businesses owned by historically underrepresented groups. In the first two years of the program, 50 businesses have participated.
Concurrently, Carlin is the executive director of Destination DC’s affiliated charity, the American Experience Foundation (AEF). The foundation enriches the lives of students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. AEF serves hundreds of students annually through field trips, internships, workforce development experiences, and scholarships.
“I enjoy getting to understand Destination DC’s member businesses and our school partners,” says Carlin. “I see that they can benefit from our connections and education and the sales and marketing opportunities our teams create. I’m focused on building strong partnerships, connecting with our members, and working to support their business goals in Washington, D.C.
Tara Miller, director of global sales
As a destination expert, Tara uses her vast experience in destination marketing to highlight what sets Washington, D.C. apart while promoting the city’s global access, intellectual capital, and amenities for business events in the city. Her work has positioned DC on the global meetings stage for its network of federal policymakers, prospective industry sponsors, and expert speakers. She develops and executes the strategy to attract international meetings and global business events to Washington, DC.
She rejoined DDC in 2017 as the senior manager of international sales, after originally helping to launch its international convention sales program in 2012. Miller now leads global event sales, marketing, business development, and strategic programs, including Washington’s Ambassador Circle and International Business Events Council.
After graduating from Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Miller started her career at a global association management company supporting the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) and later expanded her knowledge of corporate events and incentive travel at a destination management company in Washington.
“As we expand our sales efforts, I’m excited to grow international meetings and help associations and corporations leverage the benefits of D.C.’s strong sectors and valuable assets that truly set the city apart,” says Miller. “I’m looking forward to closer collaboration with clients and exploring greater ways to make their meetings valuable and impactful in the nation’s capital.”
