Industry Launches 2nd Year of Leadership Program for Tourism Professionals

​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/20/21
Contact: Jason Brandt
503.302.5060 | [email protected]

[Wilsonville, OR] – The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association proudly announces the second-year launch of the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy (OTLA), developed in partnership with the Oregon Destination Association and Travel Oregon, and led by the industry’s top experts. The annual experiential learning program is targeted to public and private sector tourism professionals who are seeking to polish their leadership and professional skills, continue to grow their career accomplishments, and make positive and lasting contributions to the state’s tourism economy and its success. 

“Our vision is to bring together tourism professionals from all walks of life to strengthen the interconnectivity within the industry while elevating new leaders who will help move our state forward,” said Jason Brandt, President & CEO for the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. “The academy will continue to bring lasting personal and professional benefits to those who participate.” 

Tourism professionals currently participating in the first-year class continue to follow all health and safety guidelines as they approach program conclusion in September. The second-year class will launch in July and conclude in the Spring of 2022. View a roster for the second-year class below.

Curriculum, field visits, and hands-on experiences are strategically designed to support and align with the state’s tourism goals and objectives which include four Strategic Imperatives:

1. Optimizing the Statewide Economic Impact of Tourism in Oregon
2. Supporting and Empowering Oregon’s Tourism Industry
3. Championing the Value of Tourism
4. Running Effective Tourism Oriented Organizations and Businesses

The OTLA experience is designed for professionals currently serving Oregon’s tourism and hospitality industries. Interested program participants should have supervisory, managerial, or executive responsibilities in either the private or public sector. Applications from industry professionals who will soon be responsible for similar levels of responsibility are also encouraged to apply for the academy program.
 
The strategic imperatives outlined above will serve as the program’s core themes each year. Each theme will receive focus as a part of four multi-day experiential learning programs designed to provide academy participants with comprehensive educational experiences. Each year, approximately 20 academy participants will immerse themselves in the academy’s professional development curriculum alongside industry experts and facilitators.

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For more information on the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy, visit OregonRLA.org/otla

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The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association is the leading business association for the foodservice and lodging industry in Oregon, which before COVID-19 provided over 180,000 paychecks to working Oregonians. ​

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OTLA 2021 Class Roster

​Alana Carollo
Executive Director
Eastern Oregon Visitors Association

Joshua Conrad
General Manager
Best Western Plus Agate Beach Inn / Vesta Hospitality

Linh DePledge
General Manager
Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa / Vesta Hospitality

Kevney Dugan
President & CEO
Visit Bend

Matthew Finn
Partnership Coordinator
Travel Oregon

Robbie Zumajit Hanson
Senior Manager - Retail and Foodservice
Bob's Red Mill - Whole Grain Store, Restaurant & Bakery

Stephen Hoshaw
Senior Director of Tourism
Travel Lane County

Ashley Huckaby May
PR Account Manager
DVA Advertising & PR

Julie Hurliman
Community Industry & Tourism Programs Manager
Visit Tillamook Coast / Tillamook Coast Visitors Association

Heidi Janke
Marketing Manager
Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA)

David Lenke
General Manager
Riverhouse on the Deschutes

​Kristine McConnell
VP Industry Relations
Visit Central Oregon

​Kitri McGuire
Director of Marketing
Visit McMinnville

Jamie McKinney-Fousek
Director, Operations & Marketing
America's Hub World Tours

Tori Middelstadt
Development & Industry Relations Manager
Willamette Valley Visitors Association

Angie Onyewuchi
President & CEO
Travel Salem

James Paino
Executive Director
Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce

Allen Pike
General Manager
Mereté Hotel Management

Addie Rehberg-Case
Property Manager
Cousins Country Inn & Cousin's / Escape Lodging

Marissa Ruf
Regional Director of Sales
Mereté Hotel Management

Chanel Sheragy
National Account Manager
Travel Portland

Karyn Smith
Hospitality Director
Bryn Mawr Vineyards

Leslie Wangler
Owner
Pacific Northwest Tourism