eTourism Moves: New Hires & Promotions for May

It’s summer vacation season but there’s no break for DMOs seeking new talent and rewarding deserving staff with promotions. Here’s the latest personnel news in the eTourism world.

Mitch Whitten, Visit Fort Worth

Visit Fort Worth

Mitch Whitten has been promoted to the President and CEO of Visit Fort Worth, where his mission is to build on the DMO's dramatic growth in the hospitality industry and the completion of the expanded convention center in 2030. Whitten began his career at Visit Fort Worth leading the marketing team, hired by retiring President and CEO Bob Jameson. Whitten helped shape the city’s destination brand and elevate Fort Worth among visitors, meeting planners, and industry partners. Whitten has worked for Visit Fort Worth for 13 years, most recently as chief operating officer.

Devin Heath, Visit Hot Springs

Visit Hot Springs

Devin Heath, a veteran tourism and hospitality executive with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, is the new President and CEO of Visit Hot Springs, home of the only national park in Arkansas. He succeeds Steve Arrison, who is retiring after a 28-year tenure. Heath previously served as President and CEO of DistiNCtly Fayetteville in North Carolina, and at Visit Natchez in Mississippi.

Jan Hutton, Bermuda Tourism Authority

Bermuda Tourism Authority

International tourism veteran Jan Hutton is the new President and CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Hutton brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of destination strategy, AI innovation, tourism marketing, and sustainable growth. Most recently, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, and her leadership experience also includes senior roles with Deloitte Consulting, Nielsen, Ogilvy, South African Tourism, and Destination Gold Coast.

Eric Engelbarts, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

Happy Valley Adventure Bureau

Sports tourism veteran Eric Engelbarts has been named President and CEO of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau in Pennsylvania. Engelbarts has previously served as executive director of the Happy Valley Sports & Entertainment Alliance and was appointed HVAB Deputy Director in January 2026. He succeeds Fritz Smith, who resigned two weeks ago.

Keelie Cox, Travel Nevada

Travel Nevada

Keelie Cox has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer at Travel Nevada. She will oversee the statewide agency’s paid media, brand management, and digital marketing efforts. With more than a decade of experience in tourism marketing, Cox was previously the organization’s marketing manager. “She brings a strong understanding of our industry, a creative approach to storytelling, a passion for our state, and a proven ability to connect travelers with the unique experiences that make Nevada unforgettable,” said Rafael Villanueva, CEO of Travel Nevada.

Kelly Rose Conner, Virginia Tourism Corporation

Virginia Tourism Corporation

Kelly Rose Conner has a new title at Virginia Tourism Corporation: Director of Destination Development. She is no stranger to the DMO, where she has served for more than a decade. Most recently, Conner was Sales Destination Development Manager.

Emma Pope, Travel Alberta

Travel Alberta

Emma Pope is the new Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Communications of Travel Alberta in Canada. She joins Travel Alberta following a successful career in strategy and transformation consulting, bringing deep experience in leading growth, transformation, and organizational change.

Giselle Williams, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Giselle Williams is now Marketing Manager at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, a destination including the signature Piton Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a tropical rainforest, and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Williams brings more than eight years of experience in destination marketing, business development, and travel trade engagement within the Canadian market. In her new role, she will lead strategic marketing initiatives designed to strengthen Saint Lucia’s presence across Canada, deepen relationships with key travel trade partners, and drive increased visitor arrivals from this important source market.

Ashley Farkas, MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International

Ashley Farkas has been promoted to Vice President of Public Relations, Hospitality at MGM Resorts International. Farkas has been with MGM Resorts since 2010 and has consistently risen the ranks of the PR department.

Sara Harper, Kohler Hospitality

Kohler Hospitality

Sara Harper is the new Head of Marketing at Kohler Hospitality, where she will guide the continued growth and positioning of its portfolio of destinations in Kohler, Wis.; Green Bay, Wis.; Chicago; and St. Andrews, Scotland. Harper brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, most recently serving as Vice President at Peregrine Hospitality. She also previously held a key role at Hotel del Coronado, where she helped lead a $550 million repositioning and launched several high-profile luxury concepts

Jessica Cushing, Signia by Hilton Indianapolis

Signia by Hilton Indianapolis

Jessica Cushing has joined Signia by Hilton Indianapolis as the hotel’s new Director of Marketing. The Signia is now accepting reservations for stays beginning in February 2027. She was previously Senior Area Marketing Manager at Marriott IndyPlace, a collection of five Marriott hotels including the JW Marriott Indianapolis, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown.