Team & Leadership | Brand USA

Honolulu, Hawaii

Cassady Bailey

Vice President, Partner Engagement & Marketing

Cassady Bailey

Vice President, Partner Engagement & Marketing

Cassady Bailey is vice president, partner engagement and marketing 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...

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Something Interesting

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

Hometown/Home State

Charleston, West Virginia

Favorite Travel Destination

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.

North Rim, Grand Canyon

Jackie Ennis

Vice President, Global Trade Development

Jackie Ennis

Vice President, Global Trade Development

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...

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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

Fairfax, Virginia

Mark Lapidus

Vice President, Product & Technology

Mark Lapidus

Vice President, Product & Technology

Mark Lapidus is vice president, product and technology 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 June 2014 and is responsible for leading the global effort for GoUSA TV and Brand USA’s 30+ websites for consumers, trade education, meetings, and corporate. He also oversees Information Technology and hosts “Brand USA Talks Travel,” a podcast for the travel industry. Prior to Brand USA...

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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

Portland, Oregon

Rosina Barbastefano

Sr. Director, Research & Analytics

Rosina Barbastefano

Sr. Director, Research & Analytics

Rosina Barbastefano is senior director, research and analytics 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...

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Favorite Travel Memory

First trip to Naples, Florida with my wife.

Hometown/Home State

Cali, Colombia

Favorite Travel Destination

Portland, Oregon

Mercersburg, Pennsylvania

Brian Watkins

Sr. Director, Information Technology

Brian Watkins

Sr. Director, Information Technology

Brian Watkins is senior 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...

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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.

Favorite Travel Destination

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

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Susan Zachar

Sr. Director, Integrated Marketing

Susan Zachar

Sr. Director, Integrated Marketing

Susan Zachar is senior director, integrated marketing and social media 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

Visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands via sailboat.

Hometown/Home State

Chicago, Illinois — The Windy City!

Favorite Travel Destination

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

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Alexis Adelson

Director, Marketing Operations & Special Projects

Alexis Adelson

Director, Marketing Operations & Special Projects

Alexis Adelson is director, marketing operations and special 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...

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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)

Victoria, British Columbia

Chelsea Benitez

Director, Consumer Research

Chelsea Benitez

Director, Consumer Research

Chelsea Benitez 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, Chelsea supports international marketing efforts through the development, direction, and implementation of consumer research and analysis for Brand USA. Prior to joining Brand USA, Chelsea worked as the director of research at Destination Analysts, a market...

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Hometown/Home State

Los Angeles, California

Skylar Clark

Director, Partner Marketing

Skylar Clark

Director, Partner Marketing

Skylar Clark is director, 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. 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 and a manager for the partner marketing & planning team. In her current role...

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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.

Favorite Travel Destination

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

Taj Mahal

Chris Ellis

Director, Partner Engagement

Chris Ellis

Director, Partner Engagement

Chris Ellis is director, partner engagement for Brand USA. In this role, he serves as a lead for the organization’s Industry Engagement Strategy team, where he represents hundreds of partners by supporting overarching goals and bringing value to the travel trade. Chris is also part of the Partner Marketing team overseeing the development, relations, communication, and marketplace touchpoints for all Brand USA partners. Chris initially came to the US in the early 90s to continue his role as Operations Manager for Cosmos Holidays and...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Watching the sunset over the Gulf Coast while in Sanibel Beach, Florida.

Hometown/Home State

Born in the United Kingdom but lived most of my life outside of the U.K.

Favorite Travel Destination

Denver, Colorado

Craters of the Moon Monument, Idaho

Luke Hennig

Director, Partner Operations

Luke Hennig

Director, Partner Operations

Luke Hennig is director, 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 but not...

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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).

Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Jennifer Ross

Director, Media & In-Kind Planning

Jennifer Ross

Director, Media & In-Kind Planning

Jennifer Ross is director, media and in-kind planning at 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...

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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

New Orleans, Louisiana

Suzy Shepard

Director, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

Suzy Shepard

Director, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

Suzana “Suzy” Shepard Durini is director, 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, co-op...

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Something Interesting

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

Hometown/Home State

San Jose, Costa Rica

Favorite Travel Destination

Somewhere new that I have never been to before.

Colorado River

Aila Bereznak

Sr. Salesforce Administrator

Aila Bereznak

Sr. Salesforce Administrator

Aila Bereznak is the senior salesforce administrator 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, Aila is responsible for Salesforce administration and support for the Brand USA team. Prior to joining Brand USA, Aila functioned as an administrator and declarative developer responsible for initiating a Salesforce instance for a public highway authority...

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Favorite Travel Memory

Paddleboarding among bioluminescence algae followed by a winter solstice bonfire on the beach in Mexico.

Hometown/Home State

Oak Creek, Colorado

Favorite Travel Destination

Istanbul

Vail, Colorado

Amanda Davis

Sr. Manager, Global Trade Development (UK, Europe)

Amanda Davis

Sr. Manager, Global Trade Development (UK, Europe)

Amanda Davis is senior manager, global trade development (UK, Europe) 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...

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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

Favorite Travel Destination

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

Asheville, North Carolina

Mimi Jung

Sr. Manager, Branding & Design

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.

Snowbird, UT

Chelsea Sullivan Kaiser

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing

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!

Joshua Tree National Park

Julie Paulson

Sr. Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

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.

Washington, DC

Maria Santos

Sr. Manager, Integrated Marketing

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!

Rianna Airitam

Manager, Partner Operations

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

Acadia National Park

Dani Campana

Manager, Partner Engagement

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.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Philip (Phil) Dickieson

Manager, Marketing Projects

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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Maya Hua

Manager, Partner Engagement

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

Fort Myers, Florida

Carolyn Kirby

Manager, Partner Marketing Programs

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

Delicate Arch, Utah

Coralis Rivera-Aponte

Manager, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

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

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Allie May

Sr. Coordinator, Partner Marketing

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.

Makoshika State Park, Montana

Brittany McCabe

Sr. Coordinator, Integrated Marketing and Social Media

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

Thanh Nguyen

Sr. Coordinator, Branding & Design

Thanh Nguyen

Sr. Coordinator, Branding & Design

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Asheville, North Carolina

Alex Dudich

Coordinator, Partner Marketing Programs

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

Kyoto, Japan

Desmon Hickson

Coordinator, Global Trade Development (Asia Pacific)

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