Team & Leadership

Meet the Brand USA Team

Brand USA's dynamic team brings together some of the brightest and most experienced minds in global sales and marketing, consumer products and services, and the travel and tourism industry. Browse this page to learn more about our team.

Team & Leadership
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Mimi Jung

Sr. Manager, Branding & Design

Mimi Jung is the senior manager of branding and design for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Mimi manages the creation and execution of the strategic direction for corporate branding, trade and consumer campaigns, proprietary platforms and in-market initiatives. Responsible for creative design, Mimi focuses on enhancing the marketing...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Exploring wild waterfalls throughout the Asheville region in western North Carolina

Travel in the USA

Florida Keys—swimming and kayaking through the crystal clear waters alongside the diverse marine life

Hometown/Home State

The nation’s capital—Washington, D.C.

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Snowbird, UT
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Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser is a senior manager, partner marketing, at Brand USA. She develops and maintains relationships with the organization’s partners and oversees marketing strategy and execution of partnership deliverables. Before working at Brand USA, Chelsea managed corporate and strategic partnerships for Destination DC, the destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. Before embarking on a career in the tourism industry, she worked at a high-end bridal salon in Georgetown. Chelsea graduated from the University...
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Hometown/Home State

Silver Spring, MD

Community Service

Volunteers as a poll worker for elections

Favorite Travel Destination

St. Michael’s, Maryland. Picturesque seaside views, boutique shopping, and all-you-can-eat crab!

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Joshua Tree National Park
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Julie Paulson

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Julie Paulson is the manager, partner programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Julie, who joined Brand USA in May 2017, supports the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and processes with our partners and clients. Julie came to Brand USA from the Smithsonian Institution where she handled the marketing for Smithsonian's revenue...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Family trips to Ocean City, Maryland. We always had a great time enjoying the festivities and rides on the 3 mile long boardwalk.

Travel in the USA

I have visited 26 states and have lived in 7 of them.

Something Interesting

I am an amusement park fanatic and have visited 20 theme parks and have braved some of the world’s tallest roller coasters.

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Blanca Romero in Ocean City, Maryland
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Blanca Romero

Sr. Manager, Office Management

Blanca Romero is senior manager, office management for Brand USA, the nation's destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States in order to fuel the nation's economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide. Blanca has more than 25 years of experience in the operations and hospitality industry. She joined Brand USA as the organization’s receptionist in December 2011. She was promoted to her current position in September 2012. Prior to joining Brand USA, Blanca was clerk...
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Favorite Travel Memory

My first solo trip to Disneyland where I learned that I am still a child at heart!

Community Service

Serving others in times of need is a fulfillment in my life.

Hometown/Home State

I consider El Salvador and Maryland my home.

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Maria Santos in Washington, DC
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Maria Santos

Sr. Manager, Integrated Marketing

Maria Santos is senior manager, integrated marketing for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. Maria has worked support of the U.S.-based global marketing team responsible for negotiating in-kind media and creating international marketing programs. In her current role, Maria negotiates, contracts, and executes co-operative marketing campaigns focused in Europe and Latin America. Prior to joining Brand USA in September 2017...
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Travel in the USA

My family and I spent every holiday and summer vacation while I was growing up going to Boca Raton, Florida and I would insist on going to Disney World every single time. Never got tired of it!

Hometown/Home State

Tenafly, New Jersey, but grew up in Caracas, Venezuela! – my heart is divided.

Favorite Travel Destination

There are many places in the U.S. that I want to go to still, all mostly around California: Yosemite, Napa Valley, and San Francisco!

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Lisa Tejeda

Sr. Manager, Global Trade Development (LATAM)

Lisa Tejeda is senior manager, global trade development (LATAM) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Lisa cultivates and maintains relationships with international Brand USA representation firms and partners in Latin America, seeks new trade opportunities, manages day-to-day operations including market activation, co-op marketing, and budget...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Taking her mother along on a tour of the USA's West Coast

Something Interesting

In 2016, Lisa decided to take time off to visit all her bucket-list destinations around the world and returned to regular life in 2018.

Hometown/Home State

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

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Rianna Airitam
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Rianna Airitam

Manager, Partner Operations

Rianna Airitam is manager, partner operations for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
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Favorite Travel Memory

​I got stuck in Boston, Massachusetts once due to heavy snow and that was the first time I'd ever seen more than 6 inches of accumulation!

Travel in the USA

My family likes to road trip and I like seeing the changing scenery across states.

Hometown/Home State

Rowlett, Texas

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Acadia National Park
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Dani Campana

Manager, Partner Engagement

Danielle (Dani) Campana works as a manager, partner engagement, for Brand USA. She strives to facilitate open communication between the organization and its partners with the goals of ensuring seamless implementation of projects and fostering a positive partner experience. Prior to joining Brand USA, Dani worked as a Membership Manager at Destination DC. In this role, she gained experience in cultivating dynamic relationships and worked with an array of businesses, including restaurants, attractions, and convention service providers...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Annual family vacations to the Outer Banks, NC!

Something Interesting

My last name means "bell" in Italian and Spanish.

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Grand Teton National Park, WY
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Philip (Phil) Dickieson

Manager, Marketing Projects

Phil Dickieson is manager, marketing projects for Brand USA, the nation's destination-marketing organization. He is assists the marketing team with the Brand USA's Travel Week, Global Marketplace, and other events and marketing efforts. Prior to joining Brand USA, Phil worked in nonprofit philanthropy at Born Free USA and at Earthworks. Phil graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland with a degree in Political Science and History. He studied abroad in London and enjoyed traveling through Europe during his time there. Phil loves...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Participated in the "52 Hike Challenge" and did 52 hikes in a year—spent the whole year traveling around the DC/MD/VA area finding new places to hike.

Hometown/Home State

Born in Washington, DC, and raised in Bethesda, MD, he now lives in DC where he soaks in the history and spends time learning more about the unique neighborhoods and culture.

Favorite Travel Destination

Maine! Whether you're braving the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean or hiking a mountain in Acadia National Park, there's always something exciting to do.

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Joshua Tree National Park
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Maya Hua

Manager, Partner Engagement

Maya Hua works as a manager, partner engagement, for Brand USA and serves as a main point of contact for Brand USA’s partners. She strives to cultivate and foster relationships between the organization and its affiliates. Maya’s previous experiences and involvements have well prepared her to work in partner engagement in the tourism industry for Brand USA. She attended the University of Illinois Champagne Urbana, concentrating in Hospitality Management. Maya has worked for Discover Los Angeles in International Tourism. She has also...
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Hometown/Home State

Chicago, Il

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Carolyn Kirby

Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

Carolyn Kirby is manager, partner marketing programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Carolyn is responsible for supporting the design and implementation of cooperative marketing programs and processes with partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Carolyn developed and executed corporate partnerships, promotions, and licensing...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Family trips to Galveston Island, Texas.

Hometown/Home State

Arlington, Texas

Favorite Travel Destination

Costa Rica

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Grace Muniu

Sr. Reporting Analyst

Grace Muniu is a senior reporting analyst for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Grace is responsible for annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and financial reporting and analysis for Brand USA. Prior to joining Brand USA, Grace worked for the International Monetary Fund as a senior budget analyst in the Institute of Capacity Development Global...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a tour through the Glaciers of the Swiss Alps

Hometown/Home State

Maryland

Favorite Travel Destination

Kenya

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Coralis Rivera-Aponte

Manager, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Coralis Rivera-Aponte is manager, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. Coralis serves as a key liaison with creative partners, supporting the Director of Creative Strategy and User Experience, Susan Zachar, with Brand USA's social media strategy, campaign management, and partner initiatives. Coralis joined Brand USA in September 2021. Previously, she served as Digital Marketing Coordinator at Discover Puerto Rico, serving as a bridge between local partners...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a father-daughter road trip through Yellowstone.

Hometown/Home State

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Favorite Travel Destination

Mexico City

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Sofia Dunn

Sr. Coordinator, Media Producer

Sofia Dunn is senior coordinator, media producer for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Sofia helps to manage the Digital Asset Management system and provides support to GoUSA TV. In addition, she also provides support to the content management team to help with content needs for Brand USA. Prior to joining Brand USA, Sofia worked as a digital...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hometown/Home State

Apopka, Florida

Favorite Travel Destination

California Coastline

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Maggie Eng

Staff Accountant

Maggie Eng is a staff accountant for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Maggie is responsible for supporting the accounting team. Prior to joining Brand USA, Maggie worked at Raymond James Financial for 11 years. She received an education in Hong Kong and studied Computer Programming and Operations at RETS Technical Training Center in Baltimore...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.

Hometown/Home State

Hong Kong

Favorite Travel Destination

Taiwan

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Marsha Jones

Sr. Coordinator, Accounting & Finance Project Management

Marsha Jones is a senior coordinator, accounting and finance project management for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. In addition, Marsha provides direct project and administrative support to the Chief Financial, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer and general administrative support to operational teams. Before joining Brand USA in June 2021, Marsha had multiple years of project management and executive assistant experience, including work with the District of Columbia, KPMG, and, most recently...
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Community Service

Volunteers with local NAACP and Veterans Affairs (VA)

Something Interesting

Danced on Soul Train for teens in Los Angeles

Hometown/Home State

Los Angeles, California

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Allie May

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Allie May is senior coordinator, partner marketing for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Allie is responsible for supporting the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and campaigns with our partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Allie worked as a Convention Sales Association at the San Francisco Travel Association and as a...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Going on a helicopter tour of Hawaii with my grandma!

Hometown/Home State

Long Island, New York

Favorite Travel Destination

Park City, Utah. The mountains are beautiful and it’s a great place to ski.

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Brittany McCabe

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

Brittany McCabe is senior coordinator, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy, and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Brittany is responsible for overseeing the production of the United Stories Campaign, helping manage Brand USA’s paid influencer program, and supporting social media strategies. Prior to joining Brand USA, Brittany worked as a...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Vermont getaway with boyfriend

Hometown/Home State

West Hartford, Connecticut

Favorite Travel Destination

Tokyo, Japan

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Thanh Nguyen

Sr. Coordinator, Branding & Design

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Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
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Kate Romero

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing & Social Media

Kate Romero is senior coordinator, integrated marketing and social media for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Kate is responsible for supporting Brand USA’s social media presence. Prior to joining Brand USA, Kate served as the social media marketing and tourism coordinator for TABASCO Brand, where she played an integral role in promoting tourism...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Road tripping with her husband from San Francisco to San Diego in California.

Hometown/Home State

Louisiana

Favorite Travel Destination

U.S. Virgin Islands

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Big Bend National Park, Texas
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Catherine (Katie) Streater

Sr. Coordinator, Global Trade Development

Catherine (Katie) Streater is senior coordinator, global trade development for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Katie is responsible for assisting in travel trade programs for the Canadian and Latin American markets, including writing trade newsletters and updating content for Brand USA Global Marketplace and the International Pavilion. Prior to...
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Something Interesting

Katie has been to 21 National Parks in the USA.

Hometown/Home State

Fort Myers, Florida

Favorite Travel Destination

Istanbul, Turkey

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Niagara Falls, New York
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Munira Yusuf

Sr. Coordinator, Accounts Payable

Munira Yusuf is coordinator, office management for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
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Favorite Travel Memory

Orlando, Florida-- I could never forget the NASA Facility, Universal Studios, and of course Walt Disney World.

Hometown/Home State

Washington, DC

Favorite Travel Destination

My favorite destination will forever be New York City, New York. It's never the same experience-- always evolving and always amazing!

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Alex Dudich

Coordinator, Partner Marketing Programs

Alex Dudich is coordinator, partner marketing programs for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Alex is responsible for supporting the implementation of cooperative marketing programs and campaigns with partners and clients. Prior to joining Brand USA, Alex worked at Beautiful Destinations, an award-winning strategic, creative, and content studio...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Navigating Iceland's Ring Road with family.

Hometown/Home State

Wheeling, West Virginia

Favorite Travel Destination

Tie between Iceland and Czech Republic

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Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan
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Desmon Hickson

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

Desmon Hickson is coordinator, global trade development (Asia Pacific) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Desmon is responsible for supporting global marketing with creation of international programs and track, organize, and maintain the compliance of programs’ activities. Prior to joining Brand USA, Desmon worked as a travel consultant for...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Living with his host family in Japan.

Hometown/Home State

Baltimore, Maryland

Favorite Travel Destination

Japan

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Alexis Kemp

Coordinator, Partner Operations

Alexis Kemp is coordinator, partner operations for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Alexis is responsible for assisting in the coordination, execution and maintenance of all partner related commitments and contributions. Prior to joining Brand USA, Alexis held sales and marketing positions in the financial industry. She received her bachelor's...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Riding horses into the ocean in Negril, Jamaica

Hometown/Home State

Washington D.C.

Favorite Travel Destination

Jamaica

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Dominique McCaskill

Coordinator, Marketing Projects

Dominique McCaskill is the coordinator, marketing projects for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Dominique works closely with Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tom Garzilli, and the entire marketing team to manage projects and events. Prior to joining Brand USA, Dominique curated experiences to influence consumers to take action in the areas...
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Travel in the USA

Dominique has visited 22 states.

Favorite Travel Destination

Bali, Indonesia

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Diana Mellitz

Coordinator, Partner Marketing

Diana Mellitz is a coordinator, partner marketing, for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. Diana joined Brand USA in September 2021. Prior to joining Brand USA, Diana worked in the international education and exchange field as a Program Manager, interned at the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute, and taught English in China. Diana graduated from...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Summer trips to the Jersey shore and seeing The Lion King on Broadway.

Hometown/Home State

New Jersey

Favorite Travel Destination

New York City, NY

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Angie Riveros-Huaman

Coordinator, Human Resources

Angie Riveros-Huaman is coordinator, human resources for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States. In this role, Angie supports the Human Resources team.
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Basque Country, Spain
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Olivia Silverman-Franklin

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (U.K., Europe, and India)

Olivia Silverman-Franklin is coordinator, global trade development (U.K., Europe, and India) for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization with the mission of increasing international visitation to the United States, fueling the nation’s economy and enhancing the image of the USA worldwide. In this role, Olivia supports Brand USA’s global trade department in the creation of international marketing and education programs. This is Olivia’s first position directly in the travel and tourism industry but she does have past...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Visiting past exchange students overseas and seeing where they live, eat, and meeting their extended family and friends. They always ensure a real, authentic experience.

Hometown/Home State

Wareham, Massachusetts

Favorite Travel Destination

Basque Country, Spain

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Tre's Travel Picture
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James (Tre) Wilson, III

Coordinator, Partner Operations

James (Tre) Wilson is coordinator, partner operations for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States. Tre develops and assists in the coordination, execution, and maintenance of all partner related commitments and contributions. Tre joined Brand USA in January 2022. He was drawn to Brand USA by his love of travel and by a timely e-mail from family about the job opening. Previously, Tre worked at Escapology, an Escape Room franchise business in South Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from...
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Favorite Travel Memory

Snorkeling in Aruba

Hometown/Home State

South Carolina

Favorite Travel Destination

Aruba

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