Chance Receives Destination Management Executive Designation

Jennifer Chance, Vice President of Finance and Operations for Visit Jackson, has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the only certification program specifically designed for the destination management industry.

The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies. Chance will be recognized during Destinations International's Annual Convention, which will be held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 19-21, 2022.

The CDME designation is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to become more effective organizational and community leaders and to identify and respond to the constant change and increasing competition in the industry.

“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential, the tourism industry's highest individual achievement." said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “These leaders are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry.”

“As the industry’s highest professional achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program pushes destination leaders to think differently in this constantly changing environment,” said Craig Davis, CDME, president and CEO of VisitDallas and chair of the CDME Board of Directors. “It is more important than ever for senior executives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to serve their communities in the greatest capacity.”

“The encouragement of personal development of the human capital at Visit Jackson is an important part of our company culture,” said Dr. Rickey Thigpen, President & CEO of Visit Jackson. “I am proud of the accomplishments of Jennifer Chance, CPA, distinguishing herself as one of the first in the state of Mississippi to achieve the CDME professional designation. Her individual accomplishment will contribute to the execution of global and innovative industry best-practices at Visit Jackson, resulting in heightened achievement of our identified goals and objectives.”