For Immediate Release:
July 8, 2009

ELLIOTT FERGUSON NAMED PRESIDENT OF DESTINATION DC

(Washington, DC)…Elliott Ferguson has been selected as the new President & CEO of Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for Washington, DC. Ferguson succeeds Bill Hanbury, who left Destination DC after eight years to run the United Way of the National Capital Area. Ferguson, who has been the Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services for Destination DC, was selected through a national search process conducted by the executive committee of the organization.

“Elliott brings a wealth of experience, great sales focus and outstanding leadership,” said Sheila Stampfli, chairman of Destination DC. “The quality of the candidates we reviewed is a testament to how terrific DC is as a destination. I’m very excited to move forward with Elliott at the helm.”  In his new role, Ferguson will lead the sales and marketing organization and manage the finance and business development operations.

“I am honored to represent Washington, DC in the capacity of President & CEO of Destination DC, said Ferguson. “I’ve learned a lot in my years working with Bill Hanbury and the wonderful team at Destination DC.  It’s an exciting opportunity and challenge to lead this organization and set the strategy for continued success.”

Ferguson has led the convention sales and services efforts for Destination DC for more than seven years, meeting sales goals each year while focusing attention on quality client service. A twenty year veteran in the industry, he also led the convention sales teams for the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau. His many memberships in the industry include the American Society of Association Executives, National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners, Religious Conference Management Association, Professional Conference Management Association, International Association of Exhibition Executives and Destination Marketing Association International. 

A graduate of Savannah State University, he is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Ferguson is a resident of Capitol Hill and is an active mentor with Capital Partners Inc.


About Destination DC:  Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. destinationdc.com.