Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced the slate of board members who were elected to three-year terms at the non-profit’s annual meeting on January 26, 2023. New members are as follows: Jasmin Nicole Davis from the City of Poughkeepsie, Joseph Carino-Pace from Team Banx at Compass, Julie Krieger from M&T Bank, Dennis Macheska from Vassar College, Coleen Murphy Alexander from Bard College, Alyson Pou from Arts Mid-Hudson, Tricia Reed from Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, and Rick Tietjen from The Culinary Institute of America. Brent Caster from Bonura Hospitality Group, Gaye Mallet from Adams Fairacre Farms and Brandon Walker from B&L Hospitality and Essie’s Restaurant were elected to their second three-year term. DTI is the designated destination marketing organization (DMO) for Dutchess County, providing business education and support to the local travel industry and promoting the region as a premier destination for the economic benefit of residents.

The executive committee consists of Kevin Allan from Changing Our World serving as board chair, Mallet as first vice chair and Walker as second vice chair. Additionally, Danielle Strauch from Van DeWater and Van DeWater, LLP acting as secretary and Caster as treasurer. David Bova from Millbrook Vineyards & Winery is past board chair. 

“Dutchess County has an abundance of historic, agricultural, arts, culinary experiences, and so much more,” said Allan. “The Dutchess Tourism, Inc. Board of Directors appreciates the continued support of County Executive William O’Neil, former County Executive Marc Molinaro, the Dutchess County Legislature, and the Dutchess County IDA and remains committed to working with Dutchess Tourism’s President & CEO Melaine Rottkamp and her staff to advocate for continued growth in the tourism sector.”

Rottkamp added, “Tourism in Dutchess County is a half-billion-dollar industry and in addition to promoting the county’s growing number of tourism assets, the board and staff will work collaboratively to advocate for and help grow a more sustainable destination with improved mobility and access for all.” 

The county’s tourism industry supports the livelihoods of 9,011 residents who earn $359.7 million in wages that are reinvested into the local economy through spending on housing, food, groceries and other household expenses. In 2022, DTI launched a Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTAs) program, accredited through the Tourism Ambassador Institute®, designed to inspire front-line employees and volunteers to turn every visitor and resident encounter into an exceptional experience.

Photo (Left to Right): Jasmin Nicole Davis, Tricia Reed, Coleen Murphy Alexander, Joseph Carino-Pace, Julie Krieger, Dennis Macheska and Rick Tietjen.