Visit Jackson leaders honored on the national stage
JANS – Two significant honors of Visit Jackson’s executive leadership team were recognized during the Destinations International (DI) 2026 Annual Convention, held July 21–23 in Portland, Oregon.
President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rickey L. Thigpen has been elected Chair-Elect of the Destinations International Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term, and Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Pettus has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement.
As Chair-Elect, Dr. Thigpen will help lead the strategic direction of Destinations International, the world’s largest and most respected association representing destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, tourism boards, and professionals. The organization serves more than 8,000 members and partners representing over 750 destinations worldwide and is recognized as the leading global resource for destination leadership, advocacy, education, and research.
Dr. Thigpen will work alongside the DI Executive Committee and Board of Directors to guide the association’s strategic priorities and support destination organizations worldwide, before assuming the role of Board Chair in the following term.
“This is an incredible honor, and I am deeply grateful to my colleagues across the globe for their confidence and trust,” said Dr. Thigpen. “Serving as Chair-Elect of Destinations International is both a privilege and a responsibility. I look forward to helping strengthen our industry while ensuring destinations of every size have the tools, partnerships, and leadership necessary to thrive. I am especially proud to represent Jackson and Mississippi on the world stage and demonstrate the transformative power of tourism to create opportunity, economic prosperity and stronger communities.”
Pettus Earns CDME
Alongside Dr. Thigpen’s election, Jonathan Pettus was among 70 destination industry leaders recognized with the CDME designation at the same convention.
The CDME program is the only industry certification specifically designed for destination management professionals, with a curriculum that prepares destination leaders to apply their experience and knowledge through a concentrated focus on vision, leadership, productivity, and the implementation of effective business strategies.
“Achieving the CDME designation is both a professional milestone and a renewed commitment to the community we serve,” Pettus said. “The experience has strengthened my ability to think strategically, lead effectively, and help guide the future of Jackson as a destination. I am grateful to Visit Jackson for investing in professional development and to my colleagues and industry peers who supported me throughout this journey.”
Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh described the CDME credential as a reflection of the leadership, expertise, and forward-looking perspective needed to guide destination organizations in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. Destinations International’s complete announcement and list of 2026 CDME recipients are available at destinationsinternational.org.
