Caitlin Neal Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Organization Industry
Ellijay, Georgia–Pick Ellijay, a division of the Gilmer Chamber, is thrilled to announce that Caitlin Neal has been named one of Destinations International’s 2024 30 Under 30 recipients. To learn more about each honoree, click here.
Caitlin Neal’s career in destination marketing began at 15 years old as a seasonal Information Specialist for the Gilmer Chamber. Neal would later return to the Chamber Staff as a university intern in 2016 before permanently rejoining the staff in 2019. In her current role, Caitlin serves as the Marketing Director for Pick Ellijay and is proud to lead a team of budding destination marketing professionals in promoting Ellijay as a premier destination in North Georgia and a hidden gem of the Southern Appalachians. Caitlin is a graduate of the University of North Georgia and a proud native of Gilmer County.
“Caitlin’s creativity and innovation have been a driving force behind our new, inclusive, offbeat, and exciting marketing initiatives. This has resulted in exponential brand growth and recognition,” said Jennifer Grimmer, President & CEO of the Gilmer Chamber. “We couldn’t be prouder to have her on our team and managing our brand.”
Destinations International is committed to investing and preparing the leaders of tomorrow and developing future industry leaders that represent a diverse set of backgrounds and perspectives. Each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected to gain valuable industry networking opportunities and increased thought leadership throughout the year. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and were selected from a competitive pool of 96 applicants.
“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “As our industry moves toward recovery, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”
The Destinations International Foundation believes it is important to empower future leaders,” said Ellie Westman Chin, CDME, president and CEO of Destination Madison and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 14th year, and we are thankful for the foundation investors who make programs like these possible for our industry through their contributions. We look forward to engaging with this group of emerging leaders through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders throughout the year and in the years to come.
“We are pleased to honor this year’s 30 Under 30 class of bright and talented young leaders,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global. “Year after year, I am consistently impressed by the caliber of individuals we welcome into this program, representing destinations worldwide. We remain committed to helping our young leaders shape the future of our industry.”
Now in its 14th year, the 30 Under 30 program is supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global and sponsored by Fired Up! Culture and IMEX. For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2024 30 Under 30 class, please visit destinationsinternational.org/general-information/30-under-30.
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About Pick Ellijay:
Pick Ellijay, a division of the Gilmer Chamber, is the designated destination marketing organization for Ellijay, East Ellijay, and Gilmer County, Georgia. Pick Ellijay exists to promote the areas it serves as a collective hidden gem in the Southern Appalachians and a premier destination for experiencing the beauty and bounty of the outdoors. For more information, visit www.pickellijay.com