Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy

Sponsored By:

OTLA Group Projects

The 2019 OTLA Class group projects examined drivers with the potential to most impact the Ohio travel economy. We profiled these projects in eClips throughout the summer, but if you need a refresher, read more about their exciting work here:

Economic Conditions with Significant Potential Impact on the Tourism Industry

Virtualized Meetings and How They Could Transform the Travel Industry

Marketing & Advertising Transformation

Business Ethics in the Ohio Travel Economy

How Social Media & Next-Gen Professionals are Impacting the Future of Tourism

Addressing Diversity & Inclusion in the Travel Industry

Introducing the Graduating 2019 Class of OTLA

	Amanda Smith Rasnick Lake Erie Shores & Islands
	Jessica Fosco Cedar Point
	Mary MacDonald Ohio Craft Brewers Association
	Justin Hemminger Ohio Craft Brewers Association
	Stephanie Dunham Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau
	Heather Bokman ODNR Division of Wildlife
	Sarah Gleason Clermont County CVB
	Haley Cooper Logan County Chamber
	Bryan McMahan Great Lakes Publishing
	Melissa Sanders Ashtabula County CVB
	Destiny Bryson Highland County CVB
	Meg Berno Dublin CVB
	Abby Miller Lake Erie Shores & Islands
	Lance Woodworth Destination Toledo
	Michelle Ford Experience Columbus
	Michael Boone Troyer Athens County CVB
	Adria Bergeron Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
	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 Gardens
	Lori Bishop Visit Grove City
	Dan Havener City of Grove City

Questions about OTLA? Contact Beatrice Mitchell at beatrice@ohiotravel.org 

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. 

Applications for 2020 will be available in September 2019. If you have any questions about the program, or if you want to make sure you are the very first to receive application notices, please contact Melinda Huntley at mhuntley@ohiotravel.org.

2019 Schedule

Jan. 16

Leadership and the Economy

Feb. 13

Tourism, Arts and Culture

March 13

Legislative Advocacy

April 17

Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation

May 15

Media and Communications

June 12

Historic Preservation and Heritage, Final Group Projects

October 2019  

Graduation During the Ohio Conference on Travel