Visit Hattiesburg CEO Marlo Dorsey, CDME, earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement, from Destinations International in July.
August 19, 2026 (Hattiesburg, Miss.) – Visit Hattiesburg CEO Marlo Dorsey, CDME, earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation, the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement, from Destinations International in July.
Dorsey was recognized as a member of the CDME Class of 2026 during Destinations International’s Annual Convention in Portland, Oregon, alongside dozens of tourism leaders from across the country.
“Congratulations to those who have earned their CDME credential," 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.”
The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals. It prepares destination leaders to leverage their experience and apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity, and implementing business strategies.
Dorsey completed two years of coursework alongside peers from destinations across the country, expanding her knowledge in leadership, destination advocacy, sales and revenue growth strategies, and other areas critical to destination management.
“Continuous learning is critical in an industry that is constantly evolving,” Dorsey said. “This program strengthened my skills, challenged my thinking and gave me invaluable perspective from peers across the country. I am honored to be part of the CDME Class of 2026 and proud to bring what I have learned home to Hattiesburg, while continuing to contribute to tourism leadership and advocacy across Mississippi.”
As CEO of Visit Hattiesburg, Dorsey leads the organization’s work to grow the visitor economy, strengthen Hattiesburg’s competitive position, advocate for the value of tourism, and support long-term destination development.
For more information about CDME or Destinations International, visit www.destinationsinternational.org. To learn more about VisitHattiesburg, visit www.visithburg.org.
