The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies.

Medlin began her career in New York representing resort properties in the Caribbean and Bermuda. Since then, she has returned to her hometown of Roanoke Rapids to lead the HCCVB.

Under her leadership the organization has grown into one of the most productive and active CVB’s in North Carolina. “I feel lucky every day to do what I love in my hometown,” Medlin stated. “It has been very rewarding to give back to a place that depends on the travel industry as an important part of our economy. Tourism spending in our area helps every citizen of our community and I am very proud of that.”

According Percilla West, chair of the HCCVB board of directors, “The board has supported Lori’s continued education and we are delighted she has achieved her goal. We have encouraged her to continue her work in this program, which has been a challenge with a full time job and raising a family, but she has done it and the organization is better for it.”

The CDME program is designed to better prepare senior destination marketing organization executives and managers for increasing change and competition and to become more effective organizational and community leaders.

Over the course of 22 years, more than 400 students have participated in the CDME program and this year the number of graduates will top 320. “Our mission at DMAI is to advocate for the professionalism, effectiveness, and significance of destination marketing organizations worldwide,” said Michael Gehrisch, president and CEO of DMAI. “We realize the importance of destination marketing and are committed to improving the effectiveness of these organizations. These individuals who have achieved the CDME designation have set an example of excellence for the entire destination marketing profession.”