Jarosh Earns Tourism Industry’s Top Executive Certification
Door County, WI. May 19, 2026. Jon Jarosh, the Interim President/CEO + Chief Communications Officer at Destination Door County (DDC), has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation. Held by tourism executives across North America, the designation is widely regarded as the industry’s premier executive leadership certification.
“Congratulations to Jon Jarosh for earning the CDME credential, the tourism industry's highest individual achievement," said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “Mr. Jarosh and other destination leaders throughout the U.S. have invested in their education and are now equipped with the knowledge needed to adapt to and manage the increasing change and competition facing our industry, not only in Door County, but across the country,” he said.
“As one of the tourism industry’s most respected professional credentials, the Certified Destination Management Executive program pushes destination leaders to think differently in this constantly changing environment,” said Gary Sherwin, CDME, president and CEO of Visit Newport Beach and immediate past chair of the CDME Board of Directors. “It is more important than ever for senior executives to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to serve their communities in the greatest capacity.”
Jarosh said the certification process provided valuable insights from destination leaders across the country and reinforced innovative approaches to positioning Door County for long-term success. “The CDME program challenged me to think strategically about the future of destination leadership,” Jarosh said. “The experience underscored the importance of balancing a strong visitor economy with stewardship, community well-being, and the character that makes Door County such a special place to live and visit.”
Destination Door County’s priorities focus on strengthening year-round economic vitality, supporting community well-being, and advancing stewardship initiatives throughout the peninsula. The leadership development and strategic planning components of the CDME program align closely with DDC’s ongoing work around stewardship, community engagement, and long-term destination sustainability.
The CDME program is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement and the only certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals. The curriculum prepares destination organization leaders to apply their experience and expertise with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity, and the implementation of business strategies.
Jarosh completed the program while helping lead Destination Door County’s implementation of its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan centered on economic vitality, stewardship, and community collaboration.
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About Destinations International:
Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 7,500 members and partners from over 700 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
About Destination Door County:
Destination Door County is the official tourism marketing and management organization for Door County, Wisconsin, working to promote the destination, support local businesses, and enhance the quality of life for residents through sustainable tourism practices.
Accompanying Asset: Jon Jarosh Headshot