POUGHKEEPSIE, NY– Dutchess Tourism, Inc. (DTI) announced that Vice President Melaine Rottkamp will succeed Mary Kay Vrba as the non-profit’s new president and CEO, effective July 21, 2020. The DTI Board of Directors unanimously chose Rottkamp after conducting
an extensive transition and search process in accordance with the organization’s succession plan.
Rottkamp has filled many roles since joining Dutchess Tourism more than eight years ago including that of office manager, as the director of special events, outreach and administration, and most recently as vice president. In her current role, she manages DTI’s branding, advertising and marketing efforts. She also leads the organization’s many business support and education programs including National Travel & Tourism Week activities, the annual Dutchess Tourism Awards of Distinction, the long-running Lunch & Learn Seminar Series, the Hudson Valley Tourism Trends Conference, and the Hudson Valley Film Industry Conference.
Her achievements at DTI are many, including advocating for tourism-related businesses and the local film industry, spearheading efforts to strengthen agritourism in our community, and developing collateral to communicate the important economic impact of tourism and valuable role DTI plays as the destination’s brand manager. She was extensively involved in the organization’s transition to an independent 501(c)6 non-profit, as well as the rigorous process to earn accreditation through Destination International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, becoming one of less than 200 destination marketing organizations world-wide to meet its 92 standards.
Last summer, she earned the tourism industry’s highest educational achievement by becoming a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) through Destinations International. The CDME program is the only integrated executive program specifically designed for destination management professionals. Its focus is to prepare industry leaders to leverage their experience and apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and implementation of business strategies.
Rottkamp is a graduate of Syracuse University where she earned a dual degree in public relations from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and political science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs.
“I have had the great privilege of working hand-in-hand with Mary Kay and learning from her nearly 40 years of experience in tourism,” said Rottkamp. “I am honored and deeply humbled to be entrusted with the continued growth and success of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.” She added, “I am committed to doing all I can to help our community get through the crisis created by COVID-19, and excited to continue to work with our staff and board of directors to support this industry I care so much about and the people whose livelihoods depend upon its prosperity.”
“For years, our many partners have benefited from Melaine’s expertise, enthusiasm and guidance, and the local industry is in great hands moving forward,” said Vrba. “Instrumental in our destination’s achievement of many milestones, Melaine is equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to serve our tourism business community in these difficult times and beyond. I congratulate Melaine on her well-deserved promotion and wish her all my best as the new leader of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.”
Judy D’Alessandro, Dutchess Tourism Inc.’s Board Chair, added her sentiment: “After a thorough search and extensive evaluation of candidates, the Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Melaine as our new President and CEO. Her energetic commitment to serving our community’s stakeholders and supporting the vital tourism sector in Dutchess County is immeasurable.”
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “While Mary Kay Vrba’s departure is bittersweet, following more than 25 years with Dutchess Tourism, we are thrilled to see Melaine Rottkamp ascend to become DTI’s new president and CEO. Melaine’s passion for Dutchess County and its world-class attractions is unparalleled; and with nearly nine years at Dutchess Tourism, Melaine will bring experience that will continue to propel this vital organization forward. We look forward to continued collaborations with Dutchess Tourism, under Melaine’s leadership, and we await the chance to welcome visitors to write their own story here in Dutchess County.”
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About Dutchess Tourism
Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is the officially designated destination marketing organization for Dutchess County and is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International. It is an independent 501c6 non-profit organization that works to bring tourism dollars to area businesses by marketing and promoting the assets of Dutchess County to the nation and the world. The office is located at 3 Neptune Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie with 17 Tourist Information Centers located around Dutchess County. The website is www.DutchessTourism.com and they can be reached at 845-463-4000. Dutchess Tourism, Inc. is partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess.
