Staff members achieve tourism profession’s highest individual recognition

Janis Logsdon, assistant director, and Amanda Eckelbarger, director of destination branding and data intelligence, each completed the requirements for the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the only certification program specifically designed for the destination management industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies.

“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential, the tourism industry's highest individual achievement," said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “These leaders have invested in their education and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry.”

“As the industry’s highest professional achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program pushes destination leaders to think differently in this constantly changing environment,” said Gary Sherwin, CDME, president and CEO of Newport Beach and Company and chair of the CDME Board of Directors. “It is more important than ever for senior executives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to serve their communities in the greatest capacity.”

“Janis and Amanda are both outstanding leaders for the Elkhart County destination,” said Jon Hunsberger, CDME, executive director of the Elkhart County CVB. “The rigorous CDME curriculum will help them work with our tourism and hospitality partners and continue growing Elkhart County’s well crafted assets for ongoing prosperity.”

The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and to apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies.

Logsdon has been a member of the Elkhart County CVB staff since 2016 and leads the marketing and promotion efforts, including the Elkhart County Area Guide and the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail.

Eckelbarger has been on staff since 2006. Her current role includes managing the Well Crafted Elkhart County destination brand, overseeing all visual assets produced by the Elkhart County CVB, and leading research efforts on the visitor experience throughout Elkhart County.

Thanks to their contributions, the Elkhart County CVB has won numerous awards and accolades, including seven annual Indiana Tourism Association Awards. Eckelbarger also was recognized as the ITA Member of the Year in March 2024. She chairs the Destinations International 30 Under 30 Alumni Engagement Committee and the ITA Professional Development Committee.

About the Elkhart County CVB

The Elkhart County CVB is the official tourism advertising/marketing and public/community relations organization for the Elkhart County hospitality industry. The ECCVB advances quality-of-place initiatives in our downtowns and rural spaces, parks and natural environment, arts and culture, and events, festivals, groups and activities that help forge social connections.

About Destinations International

Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 7,500 members and partners from over 700 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.

Terry Mark
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS
Email: terry@eccvb.org
Phone: (800) 262.8161 (USA/Canada)
Fax: (574) 262.3925