VISIT JACKSON CEO DR. RICKEY THIGPEN ELECTED TREASURER OF DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL

DR. RICKEY THIGPEN

Visit Jackson has announced that its President & CEO, Dr. Rickey Thigpen, has been elected Treasurer of Destinations International (DI), the world’s largest and most trusted resource for destination organizations.

Dr. Thigpen’s election as Treasurer represents a continued trajectory of leadership within the organization, having most recently served as Secretary of the Executive Committee. His new role further positions him as an incoming Chair of the DI Board, marking a historic milestone: Dr. Thigpen will be the first Mississippian ever to serve at this level within the international tourism industry.

“This opportunity is not just a personal honor, it’s a platform to elevate the voices of small to mid-size destination marketing organizations,” said Dr. Thigpen. “It also shines a brighter spotlight on Jackson and Mississippi’s tourism economy at the national and global level.”

As Treasurer, Dr. Thigpen will help oversee the organization’s financial health and strategic resource allocation, ensuring that DI continues to educate, equip, and empower destination professionals to grow their communities and industries. His appointment is expected to enhance representation for smaller to mid-size markets and amplify the unique opportunities and challenges facing diverse destinations.

“Destinations International and the Destinations International Foundation are driven by the experienced volunteers who serve on our boards and committees,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “We are very fortunate to be able to rely on the exceptional expertise of individuals like Dr. Thigpen, and we’re grateful for the time, counsel and service each of these individuals dedicates to our industry.”

In October 2025, Visit Jackson will host two of Destinations International's educational conferences here in Mississippi’s Capital City, THRIVE: The Community Vitality Summit and the Business Operational Summit. Jennifer R. Chance, CPA, CDME, Visit Jackson’s Chief Operations Officer, serves as the DI Business Operations Co-Chair.

Dr. Thigpen has led Visit Jackson since 2019, driving initiatives that celebrate culture, amplify equity, and position Jackson as a top-tier destination for visitors, meetings and events. Under his leadership, Visit Jackson was named Destination Marketing Organization of the Year by the Mississippi Tourism Association four consecutive years. His continued leadership on the international stage brings new visibility and advocacy power to Mississippi's tourism stakeholders.

Destinations International serves over 7,500 members across more than 700 destinations globally, providing advocacy, research, education, and leadership development for professionals in the tourism and destination marketing industry.