Education and Events
Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy
Sponsored By:
Introducing the 2019 Class of OTLA
| Amanda Smith Rasnick | Lake Erie Shores & Islands |
| Susan Valentine-Scott | Clinton County CVB |
| Jessica Fosco | Cedar Point |
| Mary MacDonald | Ohio Craft Brewers Association |
| Justin Hemminger | Ohio Craft Brewers Association |
| Heather Bokman | ODNR Division of Wildlife |
| Mary Huttlinger | Middletown Visitors Bureau |
| Sarah Gleason | Clermont County CVB |
| Kelsey Nevius | Ohio Travel Association |
| Haley Cooper | Logan County Chamber |
| Bryan McMahan | Great Lakes Publishing |
| Melissa Sanders | Ashtabula County CVB |
| Destiny Bryson | Highland County CVB |
| Meg Schultz | Office of TourismOhio |
| Abby Miller | Lake Erie Shores & Islands |
| Lance Woodworth | Destination Toledo |
| Michelle Ford | Experience Columbus |
| Michael Boone Troyer | Athens CVB |
| Stephanie Dunham | Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau |
| Adria Bergeron | Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District |
| Jennifer Roell | 1st Choice Cabin Rentals |
| Becky Whittington | Visit Gahanna |
| Erika Sheets | Lazy River at Granville |
| Samantha Fangman | Butler County Visitors Bureau |
| Kevin Young | Cincinnati USA CVB |
| Jacob Masters | Dennison Railroad Depot Museum |
| Jandi Adams | Clary Garden Foundation |
| Lori Sparks | Visit Grove City |
| Dan Havener | City of Grove City |
Program Details:
Participating in the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy is more than just learning about the Ohio travel economy and the role you play. It's also about strengthening your network with peers and existing leadership. During each session, you discuss critical regional and statewide issues with leaders from statewide public, private and nonprofit organizations. Learning occurs through panel discussions, presentations, tours, written assignments and other activities designed to deepen your understanding of Ohio travel industry challenges and opportunities, as well as to inspire you to make a difference.
The program consists of six classes with session locations taking place in the Greater Columbus area. Classes are held monthly from January through June. They begin at 10 am and conclude at 3 pm.
Class members have included those from attractions, museums, theme parks, CVBs, local government, state agencies, federal legislators, community development offices, restaurants, hotels and more.
Completed applications for 2019 must be received by the Ohio Travel Association by Dec. 14, 2018. Applicants will be notified of their selection by Dec. 21, 2018. The schedule is provided below for applicants to mark calendars. Tuition for for the 2019 program is $750 for current OTA members and $900 for non-members. Non-member rates include a one-year OTA membership. Payment must be submitted with the application. Those not accepted into the program will be fully reimbursed.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Melinda Huntley at mhuntley@ohiotravel.org.
