Team & Leadership

Share
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
Profile picture for user ThomasGarzilli
Shape Created with Sketch. Washington, DC
Profile picture for user ThomasGarzilli

Thomas Garzilli

Chief Marketing Officer

Thomas Garzilli is the chief marketing officer for Brand USA, the nation’s destination marketing organization. In this role, Tom is responsible for leading the development of Brand USA’s strategic marketing plan, and all efforts to ensure Brand USA achieves year-over-year revenue, visitation, and economic impact targets. Brand USA has raised more than $750 million in contributions from over 500 partners and has developed many successful and award-winning marketing programs; most notably, through the introduction of Brand USA’s Many...
Learn more
More About Thomas

Favorite Travel Memory

Spending 15 summers with my wife and children at Folly Beach, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

Hometown/Home State

I was born in The Bronx, New York, and have since lived in California, Florida, and Georgia. Currently, I call both Washington, DC and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina home.

Travel in the USA

I have most enjoyed visiting Folly Beach, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina and Tybee Island, just outside of Savannah, Georgia. As our kids were growing up, we spent many, many days and nights on these beautiful beaches… and in these great historic cities.

Close
Profile picture for user KarynGruenberg
Art Basel in Miami, Florida
Shape Created with Sketch. Art Basel in Miami, Florida
Profile picture for user KarynGruenberg

Karyn Gruenberg

Sr. Vice President, Partner Marketing & Strategic Alliances

Karyn Gruenberg is senior vice president, partner marketing & strategic alliances at Brand USA, the public-private partnership whose mission is to increase incremental international visitation, spend and market share in order to fuel the nation’s economy and enhance the image of the USA worldwide. In this position, Karyn is responsible for leading partner marketing efforts, as well as building global strategic alliances to leverage the combined resources and expertise of the industry. Her leadership includes development and oversight...
Learn more
More About Karyn

Favorite Travel Memory

Sitting on the Rocks in Sydney eating fresh lobster, drinking champagne and overlooking the Sydney Opera House OR Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef.

Hometown/Home State

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Community Service

Working with young people on education programs, locally Martha’s Table.

Close
Profile picture for user TracyLanza
Park City, Utah
Shape Created with Sketch. Park City, Utah
Profile picture for user TracyLanza

Tracy Lanza

Sr. Vice President, Integrated Marketing

Tracy is senior vice president, integrated marketing for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States' first ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. In this role, Tracy directs the development and implementation of the strategic marketing plan and supporting programs designed to advance the mission of Brand USA, including global consumer marketing and trade development. Her responsibility includes oversight of all of Brand USA’s international offices and in-market trade strategies...
Learn more
More About Tracy

Favorite Travel Memory

Since I was a child, I've spent my summers on Cape Cod - a tradition I've continued with my own children.

Favorite Travel Destination

A road trip is the best way to discover this country, while also learning a little bit about yourself.

Hometown/Home State

I'm from Connecticut and a visit to New England to explore the history and landscape along the eastern coast should be on everyone's "must do" list.

Close
Profile picture for user JackieEnnis
Jackie Ennis at North Rim, Grand Canyon
Shape Created with Sketch. North Rim, Grand Canyon
Profile picture for user JackieEnnis

Jackie Ennis

Vice President, Global Markets

Jackie Ennis is vice president, 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, Jackie leads Brand USA's trade engagement and marketing efforts, manage Brand USA's global offices, and continue to effectively work to optimize trade and consumer reach around the world. Jackie joined Brand USA in August of 2018 as senior director...
Learn more
More About Jackie

Favorite Travel Memory

Circling the Statue of Liberty for first time.

Community Service

Delivering Meals on Wheels in remote northern Vermont homes.

Hometown/Home State

Stowe, Vermont

Close
Profile picture for user CassadyBailey
Honolulu, Hawaii
Shape Created with Sketch. Honolulu, Hawaii
Profile picture for user CassadyBailey

Cassady Bailey

Sr. Director, Partner Engagement & Planning

Cassady Bailey is senior director, partner marketing and planning for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. Cassady heads up interactions with Brand USA’s expanding network of nearly 500 partners. Her department assists partners with cooperative-marketing opportunities and manages efforts to attain targeted levels of partner contributions and renewals. These continued efforts have great success as Cassady and her team have a 94...
Learn more
More About Cassady

Something Interesting

I used to work as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas.

Hometown/Home State

Charleston, West Virginia

Travel in the USA

I enjoy white water rafting on the New and Gauley rivers near Fayetteville, WV (have been over 30 times) and for a more relaxing getaway, I love Sonoma, CA.

Close
Profile picture for user MarkLapidus
Mark Lapidus in Fairfax, Virginia
Shape Created with Sketch. Fairfax, Virginia
Profile picture for user MarkLapidus

Mark Lapidus

Sr. Director, Product & Technology

Mark Lapidus is senior director, digital development for Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. Mark joined Brand USA in March 2015 and is responsible for leading the global digital/social strategy, as well as the high impact execution for eight websites and social media outlets targeting international tourists through Brand USA's consumer brand, Discover America. The websites include: GoUSA.cn, Go USA.tn and...
Learn more
More About Mark

Favorite Travel Memory

North Carolina’s Outer Banks! If you love quiet beaches with amazing sunsets and fishing, Route 12 is the place!

Something Interesting

Mark was the final Program Director for one of the USA’s most iconic disc jockeys, the late Wolfman Jack.

Hometown/Home State

Arlington, Virginia

Close
Profile picture for user ReneeMason
Lake George, New York
Shape Created with Sketch. Lake George, New York
Profile picture for user ReneeMason

Renee Mason

Sr. Director, Partner Marketing Programs

Renee Mason is senior director, partner programs for Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this position, she works with destination and travel brand partners to maximize the value of their marketing efforts and provide them world-class service and support throughout the life of their relationship with Brand USA. Renee joined Brand USA in April 2012, bringing with her strong travel-industry based experience...
Learn more
More About Renee

Favorite Travel Memory

A family road trip to New England when I was in middle school. My family still tells stories from that trip because it was so eventful.

Favorite Travel Destination

I’ve been fortunate in my personal and professional life to travel to many places in the U.S., but there’s still so much more I want to see. I mostly travel for the cuisine, and I have a list of places I want to visit based on how badly I want to try the food there.

Hometown/Home State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Close
Profile picture for user NickMattera
Las Vegas, Nevada
Shape Created with Sketch. Las Vegas, Nevada
Profile picture for user NickMattera

Nick Mattera

Sr. Director, Integrated Marketing

Nick Mattera is senior director, consumer 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, Nick – who joined Brand USA in July 2018 - oversees consumer marketing and social media campaigns and content development for the organization. Prior to Joining Brand USA, Nick has spent more than eight years working in the travel and hospitality industry...
Learn more
More About Nick

Favorite Travel Memory

Backcountry hiking/camping in Southern Utah – Zion, Bryce, and Arches National Parks.

Hometown/Home State

Buffalo, New York

Travel in the USA

Maine in the Fall or Yosemite National Park in the Spring.

Close
Profile picture for user RBarbastefano
Rosina Barbastefano in Portland, Oregon
Shape Created with Sketch. Portland, Oregon
Profile picture for user RBarbastefano

Rosina Barbastefano

Director, Consumer Research

Rosina Barbastefano is director, consumer research 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, Rosina executes and supports a global market intelligence program that informs both internal and cooperative partner initiatives. Rosina joined the Brand USA team in June of 2018 to manage the consumer research and metrics programs that measure the...
Learn more
More About Rosina

Favorite Travel Memory

First trip to Naples, Florida with my wife.

Hometown/Home State

Cali, Colombia

Travel in the USA

Portland, Oregon

Close
Profile picture for user JenniferRoss
Mount Hood, Oregon
Shape Created with Sketch. Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
Profile picture for user JenniferRoss

Jennifer Ross

Director, Partner Marketing Programs

Jennifer Ross is director, global marketing programs Brand USA, the nation's public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this role, Jennifer furthers the Global Market Development efforts, organizational goals, and brings value to the industry for Brand USA. She maintains relationships with international Brand USA representation firms, and seeks opportunities to create new partnerships within assigned sectors. Prior to joining Brand USA...
Learn more
More About Jennifer

Favorite Travel Memory

Family vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains growing up

Community Service

Community Outreach for Capital Rowing Club

Hometown/Home State

Charleston, South Carolina

Close
Profile picture for user BWatkins
Brian Watkins in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Shape Created with Sketch. Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Profile picture for user BWatkins

Brian Watkins

Director, Information Technology

Brian Watkins is director, information technology for Brand USA, the nation’s public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States through marketing and promotional efforts. In this role, Brian plans, designs, coordinates, and directs all Information Technology (IT)-related activities of the organization. Brian directs and provides administrative support for daily operational activities of the IT Department. Brian joined Brand USA in March of 2013, bringing with him over 18 years of...
Learn more
More About Brian

Favorite Travel Memory

For Spring Break 2015, taking my family (wife and 4 daughters) to Cancun, Mexico. Kids were old enough to appreciate a different culture.

Something Interesting

Played in a semi-pro Spanish soccer league for 4 years.

Travel in the USA

Outer Banks, North Carolina. Vacationing in the 4x4 beach area and waking up to the wild horses roaming around outside the house.

Close
Profile picture for user SZachar
Susan Billings in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shape Created with Sketch. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Profile picture for user SZachar

Susan Zachar

Director, Creative Strategy & User Experience

Susan Zachar is sr. manager, consumer marketing and social media for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
Learn more
More About Susan

Favorite Travel Memory

Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands via sailboat.

Hometown/Home State

Chicago, Illinois — The Windy City!

Travel in the USA

Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado - the most beautiful hiking and camping I've ever experienced.

Close
Profile picture for user AlexisAdelson
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Shape Created with Sketch. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Profile picture for user AlexisAdelson

Alexis Adelson

Sr. Manager, Marketing Projects

Alexis Adelson is a manager, 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, Alexis works closely with Brand USA’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tom Garzilli, and the entire marketing team to manage projects and events. Alexis, who officially joined Brand USA in January 2015, also provides support to the administrative team, and is an active...
Learn more
More About Alexis

Favorite Travel Memory

Summers in New England with my family.

Something Interesting

I have a motorcycle driver’s license and a commercial driver’s license.

Hometown/Home State

Potomac, Maryland (born in Washington, DC)

Close
Profile picture for user SkylarClark
Los Angeles, California
Shape Created with Sketch. Los Angeles, California
Profile picture for user SkylarClark

Skylar Clark

Sr. Manager, Partner Engagement & Planning

Skylar Clark is manager, partner marketing and planning 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. Since joining Brand USA in 2016, Skylar has been a part of the partner marketing team, starting as a partner services representative for Brand USA’s southeast partners, and then as the senior coordinator for the partner marketing & planning team. In her current role...
Learn more
More About Skylar

Favorite Travel Memory

As a child, my family loved to take cruises down to U.S. Virgin Islands. I have the best memories exploring the different islands and swimming with dolphins!

Hometown/Home State

Solomon’s Island, Maryland. It’s popular for its sailing, seafood, and beautiful sunset views.

Travel in the USA

I love the beauty and culture of San Diego, California. Plus, the beaches are great for surfing and have my favorite animal: seals!

Close
Profile picture for user LukeHennig
Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, Idaho
Shape Created with Sketch. Craters of the Moon Monument, Idaho
Profile picture for user LukeHennig

Luke Hennig

Sr. Manager, Partner Operations

Luke Hennig is senior manager, partner operations for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. In this role, Luke works with partners and rep agencies to collect and value all in-kind contributions for the Marketing team. He also liaises with the Department of Commerce and mitigates compliance issues to ensure submissions of in-kind contributions receive full Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) funds matching. Last...
Learn more
More About Luke

Favorite Travel Memory

I got the travel bug early when my family lived in India for five months and I spent half my eighth grade year at an international school!

Community Service

As co-chair of Brand USA’s Corporate Social Responsibility committee, I am honored to help shape Brand USA’s approach to giving back.

Hometown/Home State

I’m proud of my home state of Minnesota for its many “hidden gem” experiences for visitors, especially in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

Close
Profile picture for user JevonyaHughes
Jevonya Hughes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Shape Created with Sketch. AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Profile picture for user JevonyaHughes

Jevonya Hughes

Sr. Manager, Digital Analytics

Jevonya Hughes is senior manager, digital analytics for Brand USA, the nation’s public-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, Jevonya is responsible for measuring, communicating, and optimizing the performance of Brand USA marketing campaigns. Jevonya, who joined Brand USA in August 2018, previously worked as the senior digital analyst at Pew Charitable Trusts, a web analytics...
Learn more
More About Jevonya

Favorite Travel Memory

My visit to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for a guided tour and the game against the Philadelphia Eagles the following day.

Hometown/Home State

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Travel in the USA

New York City, New York! I really like Times Square.

Close
Profile picture for user jpaulson@thebrandusa.com
Joshua Tree National Park
Shape Created with Sketch. Joshua Tree National Park
Profile picture for user jpaulson@thebrandusa.com

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...
Learn more
More About Julie

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.

Favorite Travel Destination

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.

Close
Profile picture for user SuzyShepard
New Orleans, Louisiana
Shape Created with Sketch. New Orleans, Louisiana
Profile picture for user SuzyShepard

Suzy Shepard

Sr. Manager, Global Markets

Suzana “Suzy” Shepard Durini is senior manager, 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, Suzy cultivates and maintains relationships with international Brand USA representation firms and partners in the Asia Pacific, seeks new trade opportunities, and manages day-to-day operations including market activation...
Learn more
More About Suzy

Something Interesting

I’ve been doing Krav for about 5 years now and am Level 4.

Hometown/Home State

San Jose, Costa Rica

Travel in the USA

Somewhere new that I have never been to before.

Close
Profile picture for user AmandaDavis
Vail, Colorado
Shape Created with Sketch. Vail, Colorado
Profile picture for user AmandaDavis

Amanda Davis

Manager, Global Markets

Amanda Davis is manager, global trade development (Europe and Americas) for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort. Amanda had been coordinator then senior coordinator for the Global Trade team, a position she held since joining Brand USA in June 2016. During her association, she has been instrumental in supporting the USA Discovery Program, Brand USA’s online-training program for international travel agents. She has also worked...
Learn more
More About Amanda

Favorite Travel Memory

My favorite trip was a family road trip throughout Arizona, including stops in Sedona, Scottsdale, and the Grand Canyon.

Hometown/Home State

Richmond, Virginia

Travel in the USA

The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. It's a hidden gem!

Close
Anjelica Magee in Malibu, California.
Shape Created with Sketch. Malibu, California

Anjelica Magee

Manager, Public Relations/Consumer & Trade

Anjelica Magee is manager, consumer and trade publication relations 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, Anjelica – who joined Brand USA in June 2019 – works closely with Brand USA’s internal media, analytics, advertising, and partner program teams to manage the performance and optimization of our global consumer-facing campaigns and programs...
Learn more
More About Anjelica

Favorite Travel Memory

Driving from coast to coast on I-10.

Hometown/Home State

Franklin, Massachusetts

Travel in the USA

State – California; City – New York City; Attraction – Disney World

Close
Profile picture for user MSantos1
Maria Santos in Washington, DC
Shape Created with Sketch. Washington, DC
Profile picture for user MSantos1

Maria Santos

Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

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

Favorite Travel Destination

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.

Travel in the USA

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!

Close
Profile picture for user AliceShang
Alice Shang enjoying the beach views at St George Island, Florida
Profile picture for user AliceShang

Alice Shang

Manager, Media Planning

Alice Shang is the manager, media planning 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, Alice – who joined Brand USA in March 2020 – is responsible for strategic planning and campaign execution across all global consumer-facing paid media campaigns for Visit the USA and GoUSA TV. Prior to joining Brand USA, Alice was most recently the media manager for...
Learn more
More About Alice

Favorite Travel Memory

Road trip from Florida to California. I saw a black bear for the first time, in the wild!

Something Interesting

To learn how to swim is on the top of my bucket list.

Travel in the USA

St George Island, Florida

Close
Profile picture for user AlysseaAJJohnson
Shape Created with Sketch. Portland, Oregon
Profile picture for user AlysseaAJJohnson

Alyssea “AJ” Johnson

Senior Coordinator, Information Technology

Alyssea “AJ” Johnson is senior coordinator, information technology for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
Learn more
More About Alyssea

Favorite Travel Memory

A road trip across the USA from Oregon to Washington, DC.

Something Interesting

I regularly go to karaoke and sing show tunes with my friends from high school.

Travel in the USA

San Francisco, California in the Castro Valley District because of the beautiful community and kind people who reside in the area.

Close
Profile picture for user JustinPile
Portland, Oregon
Shape Created with Sketch. Portland, Oregon
Profile picture for user JustinPile

Justin Pile

Sr. Coordinator, Digital Asset Management

Justin Pile is coordinator, web and content for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
Learn more
More About Justin

Favorite Travel Memory

Hiking anywhere, but especially hiking through Yosemite National Park.

Hometown/Home State

Roanoke, Virginia

Travel in the USA

The Rockies-- the skiing and hiking is unlike anywhere else I've been.

Close
Profile picture for user MQuirk
Meghan Quirk in Wellfleet, Massachusetts
Shape Created with Sketch. Wellfleet, Massachusetts (Cape Cod)
Profile picture for user MQuirk

Meghan Quirk

Sr. Coordinator, Marketing Projects

Meghan Quirk is senior coordinator, global trade development for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
Learn more
More About Meghan

Favorite Travel Memory

Driving, hiking, and swimming through the mountains and glacial lakes in Glacier National Park, Montana.

Hometown/Home State

Fairport, New York (Suburb of Rochester), a small town on the Erie Canal.

Travel in the USA

Cape Cod, Massachusetts - especially in the off-season!

Close
Rianna Airitam

Rianna Airitam

Coordinator, Partner Programs

Rianna Airitam is coordinator, partner engagement for Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States’ first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort.
Learn more
More About Rianna

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!

Favorite Travel Destination

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

Hometown/Home State

Rowlett, Texas

Close