PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026

CVB Contact: Alana Cooper
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: acooper@monroe-westmonroe.org

Sheila Snow Receives Destination Management Executive Designation

MONROE-WEST MONROE, La. – Vice President of Marketing and Communications Sheila Snow of Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM) has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the only certification program specifically designed for the destination management industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies.

“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential, the tourism industry's highest individual achievement." said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “These leaders have invested in their education and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry.”

“As the industry’s highest professional achievement, the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) program pushes destination leaders to think differently in this constantly changing environment,” said Gary Sherwin, CDME, president and CEO of Newport Beach and Company and chair of the CDME Board of Directors. “It is more important than ever for senior executives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to serve their communities in the greatest capacity.”

“The program challenged me to think differently about leadership, community engagement, destination development, advocacy, workforce issues, and the evolving role of destination organizations. It reinforced that tourism isn't just about bringing visitors to a place...it's about helping create places where people want to be. I'm excited to bring these insights back home and keep looking for ways to strengthen our community through tourism,” said DMWM’s VP of Marketing and Communications Sheila Snow.

The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and to apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies.

She will be recognized for this achievement during a Destination Celebration recognition event at Destinations International's Annual Convention in July 2026.


About Discover Monroe-West Monroe

Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings and sporting events, creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/