Thigpen Elected Chair-Elect of Destinations International, Pettus Earns CDME Designation

Visit Jackson announces two significant honors for its executive leadership team, both 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. Rickey Thigpen, President and CEO of Visit Jackson. "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."

Dr. Thigpen's election marks another milestone in a career dedicated to advancing the tourism industry while elevating Jackson as one of the South's most authentic and culturally rich destinations. He has been an active leader within Destinations International for many years, previously serving on its Executive Committee and Board of Directors in numerous leadership capacities, and has championed initiatives that promote destination stewardship, professional development, diversity in tourism leadership and sustainable economic growth through travel. Under his leadership, Visit Jackson has received national and international recognition for destination marketing excellence, community engagement, destination development and innovative storytelling that celebrates Mississippi's Capital City.

Jackson Mayor John Horhn said Dr. Thigpen's election reflects both his personal leadership and the growing prominence of Jackson.

"Dr. Rickey Thigpen has consistently demonstrated that visionary leadership and strategic collaboration can transform communities through tourism," said Mayor John Horhn. "His election as Chair-Elect of Destinations International is a tremendous honor for him, for Visit Jackson and for our city. Jackson will now have an even stronger voice in shaping the future of global tourism, and we couldn't be prouder."

Rochelle Hicks, Executive Director of Visit Mississippi, said the appointment highlights Mississippi's influence within the tourism profession.

"Rickey has earned the respect of tourism professionals across the country through his servant leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to advancing destinations," said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. "His election as Chair-Elect of Destinations International is well deserved and reflects the caliber of leadership coming from Mississippi. We congratulate him on this remarkable achievement and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our industry."

Pettus Earns CDME

Alongside Dr. Thigpen's election, 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.

"Jonathan's achievement reflects the standard of excellence he brings to Visit Jackson and to the work of positioning Mississippi's Capital City as a premier destination," said Dr. Thigpen. "Earning the CDME designation requires discipline, strategic insight and a deep commitment to the destination industry. We are proud to celebrate Jonathan and the national recognition this accomplishment brings to Jackson."

As Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Pettus leads Visit Jackson's marketing strategy and works to strengthen the city's visibility, reputation and competitive position as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, sporting events and cultural experiences. His work supports the organization's mission of attracting visitors, increasing economic activity and sharing Jackson's authentic story with audiences locally, nationally and internationally.

"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.