Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1476179
ber of the Young Presidents' Organization ("YPO") where he previously served as Chairman of the Santa Monica Chapter. ADAM BURKE serves as President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, the official non-profit tourism promo- tion organization for the City of Angels. Representing one of the world's most diverse and inclusive destinations, the company's mission is to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism. Burke also serves on U.S. Travel Association's Executive Committee and is a Board member of Tourism Diversity Matters and the Destinations International Foundation. RHONDA WALKER is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Experience Prince George's, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Prince George's County, Maryland. Rhonda has over 20+ years of experi- ence within the hospitality industry having served as a Senior Account Executive for Marriott International and as a Meeting Planner prior to Marriott. Walker thrives on promoting her county as a prime des- tination for visitors and meeting professionals. She actively serves on various industry committees and enjoys giving back to the community. The drive for her passion is creating successful opportunities for customers and partners. SANDI HARVEY, Vice President of Sales for Meet AC has worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for more than 25 years. Harvey made her debut in Atlantic City in 1983 as the Manager of Hotel Sales at the Sands Hotel & Casino. Harvey gained a great amount of experi- ence and grew her footprint by starting at the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA) in 1995. From there, she worked her way up through the ACCVA with various positions and landed in the sales department, which is where Harvey flourishes today with Meet AC. Harvey continues to be responsible for productivity reporting, ensuring the sales team has the resources they need to meet their goals, and managing the synergy between the Atlantic City Convention Center and property partners. GREG DESHIELDS CDE, CHE is Executive Director of Tourism Diversity Matters. He is a Qualified Tourism/Hospitality and Academic Professional Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) proficient in devel- oping and implementing plans, strategies, and initiatives specifically designed to raise destinations image for diverse, multicultural travel. As an Experienced Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) with demonstrated cultural competence., he is prepared to strategically position an organization to remove systemic barriers to inclusion, lead culture change, and transform the brand. DeShields is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University Providence, Rhode Island, with an A.S. Degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management; and B.S. Degree in Hospitality Management. He is also a Professional Development Leadership Graduate: Institute for Diversity Certification, Urban League of Philadelphia, B M & T ••• July/August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17