WASHINGTON, D.C. – Destination DC (DDC) has appointed Meade Atkeson as chair of the organization’s board of directors.
Atkeson is currently the general manager for Royal Sonesta hotels in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and previously 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,” says 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 career with Marriott and Starwood, Atkeson has operated resort properties, lifestyle, luxury, downtown, and convention hotels, and he has a deep background in sales, marketing, revenue management, and operations.
“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, D.C., on a global stage to earn our fair share of visitors from around the world,” says Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC.
Atkeson was born in the nation’s capital and has lived and worked in the area for most of his career. He was chairman of the local hotel association during the pandemic when he helped develop the tourism recovery 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,” says Atkeson.
During DDC’s annual board meeting in May, the following board officers and new members were confirmed: Vice-chair: Julissa Marenco, assistant secretary for communications and external affairs and chief marketing officer, Smithsonian Institution, treasurer: Clarence Anthony, CEO/executive director, National League of Cities, secretary: Matt Felix, general manager, JW Marriott Washington, DC, and immediate past chairperson: Stacy Smith, general manager, Hyatt Place DC/White House.
