About Us
Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM), founded as the collaborative leader of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and concepts that can address the gaps of ethnic disparities and provide decision-makers in the tourism and events industry access, resources, and tactics to develop more effective Diversity & Inclusion strategies that will engage and retain a diverse workforce.
At TDM, we focus on four primary pillars of activity to benefit the Tourism Industry: Apprenticeships, Workforce Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Research and Data.
TDM’s goal is to sustain and expand our platform by affiliating with fellow industry partners and notable research institutions, creating solutions that can be implemented, contributing to organizational success.
Executive Committee

Dr. Brandi Baldwin

Elliott Ferguson

Brian Stevens

Apoorva N. Gandhi

Carrie Freeman Parsons

Leah Smiley

Cid Wilson

Mike Gamble

Adam Burke
Board of Directors

Michelle MasonFASAE, CAE, CQIA

Roger Dow

Gregg Caren

Al Hutchinson

Telesa Via

Ray Bloom

Chip Rogers
In his role as President & CEO, Chip has led the AHLA team and the lodging industry to achieve tangible results for AHLA members. Subsequently, he has received numerous awards. Prior to joining the hospitality industry, Chip served in the Georgia General Assembly. He was elected to office six times and was unanimously elected twice to serve as Senate majority leader.

Melissa Cherry

Sherrif KaramatCAE

Brad Mayne

Amy Calvert

Paul M. Van Deventer

Debra Blair

David DuBois

Lynette Montoya

Valerie Gavin

Gregory A. O’Dell

Don Welsh

Fred Dixon

Dan Fenton
With more than 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism, Mr. Fenton has extensive knowledge of market research and tourism development. He has managed a number of large renovation projects, negotiated contracts and created a new approach to destination branding.

Carl Winston

Shelly CruzCMP

Ryan George

Erika Broadwater
She possesses 28 years of leadership in Talent Acquisition as a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant and Recruiting Operations Manager, optimizing employee engagement.
Erika is a key member of the People CoE, EATA CoE, and DE&I Counsel, focused on improving talent performance, DEBI, HR operations, leading and driving local and global recruitment, and implementing strategies by building solid relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

Jason Dunn, Sr.
While at Visit Cincinnati, he became the CVB's first Black vice president in its 77-year history and played a pivotal role in bringing diverse conventions to the destination. During his tenure, the number of multicultural /diverse meetings in Cincinnati has represented more than one-third of all CVB new business from 2008-18. Dunn's leadership also included the development of the Dan Lincoln Institute for Hospitality Leadership.

John PageCTA

John Tanzella

Stacy Ritter
She serves as a member of the United States Travel Association Board of Directors, Destination International Foundation Board, the Steering Committee of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Board Member of Winterfest, Inc., and the Executive Board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.
Ms. Ritter has been a community activist for years with the National Council of Jewish Women and other organizations prior to her election to State office, she was inducted into the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame; and named Woman of the Year by the American Jewish Congress and a First Lady of Broward.

Geoff Freeman
Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue and unlock growth opportunities. Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer products industry.
Staff

Greg DeShieldsCDE, CHE

Sofia Mendoza

Cambria Jones

Yvonne E. DraytonCDE
