Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/704649
CHARLES JEFFERS II was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Destination Marketing Associat- ion International (DMAI) in November of 2014. DMAI is the global trade association for official destination marketing organiza- tions (DMOs), protecting and advancing the success of destination marketing worldwide. Since Sept- ember 2015, Jeffers has served as the Interim President & CEO of the organization, leading DMAI 's strategic planning efforts during a period of leadership transition. Jeffers previously spent 19 years with Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB), most recently serving as senior vice president of operations and executive director for East Point, where he oversaw the destination sales and marketing for East Point to boost hotel demand and visitation for the city. A 1990 graduate of American International College, Jeffers holds a master's degree in public administration from Georgia State University and a certificate of information technology management from Georgia Institute of Technology. and has been a mentor and consultant. "Roy Jay is like the Lone Ranger" says Bobby Glenn, an African- American photographer in Washington DC. "He has so much influence from coast to coast. He helped me grow my business. He doesn't go by MBE/ DBE rules. He gives you the work and expects you to give 200%. I remember that he told me that he does not give a damn if I am certified, he just wanted me to be qualifie d". Jay has been the target of critics, including his native home of Portland, primarily because of his style of making sure that women and minorities are included at all levels. Some destinations just do not get it and never will. Although he is based in Portland, Oregon, he has helped organizations that were unable to find corporate sponsorships in other cities. He is credited with implementing a pro gram in Portland that enables ethnic minorities to serve on RFP evaluation panels on all city contracts over $29,000. His con- tributions to the Asian community have been long standing for 20 years and he has served as an advisor to the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Planners. "I chose a particular city only because Roy Jay showed us how to get corporate sponsorships and community supp ort. The sales rep from the convention bureau was only interested in showing me hotel rooms and taking me to dinner," says a well-known California meeting planner. Roy wears many hats. He is a long time journalist, investigative journalist which was responsible for uncovering the Latino slavery business in Portland. He is a member of NABJ, Past Chapter President of NOBLE, NAACP and dozens of other organi zations. If you need anything, Roy Jay is only an email away. Many that know him, know that he will even respond at 3AM in the morning while his competitors are sleeping. developing specific expertise in multi- cultural and Caribbean tourism. Ingraham first started by marketing South Florida's merchandises and services to the Caribbean islands. He launched, Horizons Marketing Group Intl., Inc. his first co mpany in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Later, he saw the opportunity for multicultural tourism and began searching for ways hotels could cater to a more diverse popula- tion. He founded the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers, Inc. (NABHOOD) in 1999, which was officially incorporated in 2001. Ingraham is presi- dent/CEO of NABHOOD. NABHOOD was formed with its mission statement t o increase the number of African-Americans developing, managing, operating and owning hotels; increase ven- dor opportunities and executive level jobs for minorities thereby creating wealth within the African-American community. Because of his knowledge and expertise, he is a constant source for articles and has been featured or quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Public Radio, Hotel Business, Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine and a host of other publica- tions. He has spoken or participated as a panelist internationally and domestically on hotel investment & development and multi- cultural tourism. ROY JAY serves as president/CEO of the Oregon Convention and Visitors Services Network. For twenty years, he has led the way and paved the way for many people of color in the convention and tourism industr y. Jay is an icon and expert. It was his savvy professional presence that put Portland, Oregon on the map in this niche industry. Jay is the type of con- vention industry professional that goes far beyond the normal 8 to 5 scenario. Those that know him know that he has worked non- stop to help organizations have successful events. He has shown so many organizations and meeting professionals techniques on making money and saving money. Jay has always been about empowerment and making sure that doors are open for other African-Americans and other people of color. Many in Portland consider him the driving force in paving the way for Portland's new upcoming convention center hotel. While others were literally afraid to go head to head with opposing forces, Jay was involved in a highly publicized and tele vised combat with opposition. Jay sat on the committee that selected Hyatt and was influential about making sure that the deal included union con- struction, union operation and complete community empower- ment for people of color. Jay's infectious personality attracted customers and competi- tors alike. He has served on boards, commissions and committees B M & T ••• March/April 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 34