eTourism Moves: New Hires & Promotions for February

The start of 2026 made for new beginnings for many destination professionals, as well as news of some impending notable departures. All the action further indicates this will be a pivotal year for the industry.

Shakara Shelton, Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago

Shakara Shelton is the new vice president of sales at Choose Chicago, bringing with her 15 years of experience in hospitality. Shelton was most recently national accounts manager at Hilton, where she worked in the corporate, intermediary, and association markets, managing a broad portfolio of hotel properties nationwide. Her career also includes leadership roles with Embassy Suites, InterMountain Management, and Atrium Hospitality.

As part of Choose Chicago’s strategy to grow market share and solidify the global competitive edge, Shelton will lead sales efforts focused on self-contained hotel events, meetings at signature venues such as Navy Pier, and smaller events requiring fewer than 3,000 peak hotel rooms.

Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, raved about the hire: “Her ability to lead, inspire, and scale high-performing sales teams—combined with her proven success in winning complex, competitive business—will take our sales efforts to new heights and position Chicago for continued growth in the global meetings and events marketplace.”

Julie Gilbert, Explore St. Louis

Explore St. Louis

Julie Gilbert brings her extensive experience leading DMOs to Explore St. Louis, where she is the new chief marketing officer. She joins Explore St. Louis from Destination Door County, Wisconsin, where she was president and CEO. Previously, Gilbert served as vice president of sales and marketing at Destination Niagara USA, where she led rebranding efforts and integrated leisure and meetings strategies to grow visitation and economic impact. Earlier in her career, she held senior marketing leadership roles with National Park Reservations, the State of West Virginia and the American Society of Travel Agents.

Said Gilbert: “Marketing works best when it is rooted in clarity, accountability and pride of place. I’m excited to bring that mindset to St. Louis and to work alongside a team that is deeply committed to the region’s long-term success.”

Caroline Beteta, Visit California

Visit California

Caroline Beteta will retire as president and CEO of Visit California in September after three decades of leadership at the helm of the state’s destination marketing organization.

During her eventful tenure, Beteta led the development of California’s first statewide tourism assessment program, built a globally recognized brand and launched award-winning campaigns that drove record visitation and spending across every region of the state. Key initiatives included expanding international marketing efforts and strengthening public-private partnerships.

But Beteta may be best remembered for her steady stewardship amid crises including The Great Recession, COVID-19, and natural disasters including earthquakes and wildfires.

Bob Jameson, Visit Fort Worth

Visit Fort Worth

Visit Fort Worth President and CEO Bob Jameson announced his retirement, effective April 30. In 13 years at the helm of the CVB representing the country’s 11th largest destination, the city’s visitor economy doubled and Fort Worth became one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the country. Under Jameson’s leadership, the organization developed the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Hear Fort Worth music office, the Fort Worth Film Commission and the Fort Worth Tourism Public Improvement District (PID) to attract and support long-term growth.

Since Jameson took over, the economic impact of the tourism economy has doubled to $3.6 billion and the number of visitors has doubled to more than 11.7 million. The numbers figure to increase as the Fort Worth Convention Center undergoes a massive upgrade.

“This has been the joy of my life,” Jameson said. “Tourism is important for our economy and our national visibility and must be grounded in our community for the benefit of our residents.”

Logan Doctson, Atlanta CVB

Atlanta CVB

Logan Doctson has earned a promotion to public relations manager of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau after nearly four years with the organization. She will focus efforts on implementing strategic communications programs to support ACVB’s business plan. Doctson will be the lead contact for domestic media and will leverage those relationships and opportunities to increase Atlanta’s visibility as a top U.S. travel destination.

Her experience includes managing the CVB’s PR internship program, leading numerous speaking engagements for leadership and team members, coordinating media FAMs, and developing high-profile projects for the PR department.

Sharon Houghton, DI

Destinations International

Sharon Houghton is the new chief revenue officer at Destinations International, the association for official destination organizations, CVBs, and tourism boards. The position is a newly elevated executive leadership role focused on driving sustainable revenue growth and advancing DI’s global impact.

Most recently, Houghton founded Rev-Engine, a specialized consulting firm focused on accelerating revenue growth through revenue operations, sales strategy, and go-to-market optimization. She also served in senior revenue leadership roles at Outside Inc., where she led a $100 million commercial portfolio, grew the travel vertical threefold, launched high-profile destination partnerships and events, and led regular double-digit sales growth via strategic acquisitions and organic expansion.

“Sharon’s leadership, growth mindset and deep experience building innovative partnerships will be instrumental as Destinations International continues to expand its offerings and strengthen the value we deliver to our members and partners,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “Her ability to align revenue strategy with mission-driven impact makes her an exceptional addition to our executive team.”

Alexandra Withers, Accor

Accor

Alexandra Withers has been named chief commercial officer of Accor's Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts brands. Withers has more than 15 years of experience in global sales, marketing, revenue and distribution strategies. She spearheaded the commercial transformation of renowned brands including Highgate Hotels, Edition Hotels, SIXTY Hotels, and Virgin Limited Edition. Her expertise in brand development, market entry, and repositioning has been instrumental in launching and elevating over 25 luxury properties across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.