Washington, D.C.—Destination DC (DDC) has announced new key promotions among the executive team and senior staff. Joining the executive team, Dianna Waldroup has been named vice president of convention services and Letizia Sirtori as vice president of tourism and global development. Alex Gnafakis has been promoted within senior staff to senior creative director, while Lindsay Hill joins senior staff with her promotion to director of visitor experience and group tour.
“I am so proud of the amazing team at DDC that focuses on our mission every day with integrity, mutual respect, and admiration for each other,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC. “Dianna, Letizia, Alex, and Lindsay are part of the world-class senior leadership team that chooses to be a part of DDC and they play an integral role in promoting Washington, D.C., as one of the best destinations in the world. Their work ethic, passion, and commitment to our industry speak volumes.”
Waldroup has more than 35 years of experience at DDC. She leads the hospitality team and oversees a team of more than 120 temporary personnel, known as “Redcoats,” who provide onsite assistance at events. In her new role, she will enhance customer experience and strengthen partnerships with local stakeholders.
In Sirtori’s 17-year tenure at DDC, she has had major 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 United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, China, Australia, India, and Japan. She is also a board member of International Inbound Travel Association.
Gnafakis has been leading the in-house creative team in developing visual content and bringing brand stories to life. In the last eight years, her leadership and branding expertise were instrumental in creating 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, according to DDC’s press release.
“Our city inspires my creativity each and every day, and it’s truly my greatest pleasure to share D.C.’s stories with the world,” says Gnafakis. “I look forward to growing with DDC and continuing to make magic with the best team in the business.”
Hill joined DDC in 2012, and implemented new programs, such as member onboarding, travel agent training, accessibility, luxury, and an extensive university and welcome center portfolio. Hill is the primary contact for all group tour operators, leads the charge working with the student market, and travels the world to help shape the perspective on what visitors to Washington, D.C., want and need. In 2015, she received the Group Travel Leader’s “Next Gen in Group Travel” award.
