Tourism Diversity Matters Celebrates First Anniversary and Welcomes New Board Members

Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM) launched in February 2021 and has spent the past year introducing its collective impact model and working to inspire authenticity and inclusive leadership throughout the tourism and events industry. TDM’s mission is to be a resource to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion practices that will educate, advocate, engage and empower in collaboration and cooperation with all industry initiatives. The team, led by Executive Director Greg DeShields, is committed to eliminating disparities through advocacy and education. TDM has accomplished many milestones in the first year, including more than 25 DEI-focused presentations with notable organizations, successful apprenticeship programs, workforce development strategies, and the establishment of strategic industry partnerships. New members to the Board of Directors: Adam Burke, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board; Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company; Shelly Cruz, CMP, Vice President of Global Sales at MGM Resort’s International. The new board members will join under the leadership of Elliott Ferguson, TDM’s Chairman of the Board and President and CEO, Destination DC, and Mike Gamble, TDM’s Founder and President and CEO of SearchWide Global.