Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, welcomes the appointment of Meade Atkeson as chair of the DDC Board of Directors. Atkeson is currently the area general manager for Royal Sonesta hotels in Washington, DC 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,” said 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. Having a deep background in sales, marketing, revenue management and operations, his hotels have been consistent overachievers in each of their markets. His leadership embodies hospitality and creates a culture of pride, with an engaged, customer-focused team.

“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, DC on a global stage to earn our fair share of visitors from around the world,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of DDC.

Atkeson was born in Washington, DC and has lived and worked in the area for most of his career. He was chairman of the Hotel Association of Washington, DC during the pandemic, during which 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,” said Atkeson.

During DDC’s annual board meeting in May, the following board officers and new members were confirmed:
CHAIRPERSON: Meade Atkeson, Royal Sonesta Hotels, area GM, Washington, DC
VICE CHAIR: Julissa Marenco, assistant secretary for communications and external affairs and chief marketing officer, Smithsonian Institution
TREASURER: Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director, National League of Cities
SECRETARY: Matt Felix, general manager, JW Marriott Washington, DC
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRPERSON: Stacy Smith, general manager, Hyatt Place DC/White House*

New board members:

• Jason Berry, founder and principal, Knead Hospitality
• Diane Gross, owner, Cork Wine Bar & Market
• Tara Higgins, president, Hargrove – SVP, Commercial, Encore
• Ken Jarka, general manager, Washington Hilton
• Emeka Moneme, president, Capitol Riverfront BID
• Darien Wright, chief financial and operating officer, National Geographic