James Tsismanakis, CDME

James Tsismanakis is the Executive Director and CEO of the Discover DeKalb / DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, Destination DeKalb and Sports DeKalb in Metro Atlanta. He serves on the Board of Directors of Atlanta Metro Travel Association, Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Georgia State University Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration Industry Advisory Board, DeKalb History Center, DeKalb Chamber and the Georgia Chamber Tourism and Entertainment Committee. He was selected by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2011& 2012 as one of the Who's Who 100 Leaders Who Are Shaping Atlanta's Hospitality Industry. James resides in the North Lake area of Atlanta with his wife Bethany and their three children.

Specialties: Tourism, product development, destination management, destination marketing, and foundation management.

1. Tourism
2. Destination Marketing
3. Management
4. Product Development
5. Non-profit Administration
6. Event Management
7. Public Relations
8. Event Planning
9. Trade Shows
10. Marketing Strategy
11. Hospitality
12. Marketing Communications
13. Social Media Marketing
14. Team Building

Websites:

• Company Website

Interests:

Traveling, Historic Attractions and Destinations, reading, camping, Spending time with my Family and Church.

Groups and Associations:

Georgia State University Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration Industry Advisory Board Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus - Board of Directors Atlanta Metro Travel Association - Board of Directors, Chair of Advocacy Committee Georgia Chamber - Tourism and Entertainment Committee GHLA Perimeter Hotel Council - Brookhaven DeKalb History Center - Board of Directors National Association of Chinese Americans Atlanta Chapter SKAL International & Atlanta Chapter member Southeast Tourism Society-Past Board Of Directors/Vice Chair for the State of Mississippi

• 
  Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
• 
  Atlanta Hospitality Alliance
• 
  Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce
• 
  Coffee
• 
  Collinson Media & Events
• 
  Culinary & Food Tourism
• 
  DMAI Convention and Visitors Bureau Network
• 
  DMAIs Network for CVBs and Meeting Professionals
• 
  DMOpro
• 
  DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
• 
  Destination Marketing Association International
• 
  Destination Strategies
• 
  GaMPI - Meeting Professionals International, Georgia Chapter
• 
  Georgia Chamber Small Business Forum
• 
  Georgia Restaurant Association
• 
  Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE)
• 
  Hospitality Sales and Marketing International - Georgia Chapter
• 
  Hotel Industry Professionals Worldwide
• 
  Hotel News Now
• 
  LinkedDecatur
• 
  Marshall University Alumni
• 
  NTA - A Group for Travel Professionals
• 
  National Association of Sports Commissions
• 
  Newbies In Social Media
• 
  Social Media Marketing
• 
  Tourism Skills Group
• 
  Travel & Tourism Industry Professionals Worldwide
• 
  Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Group
• 
  i-Meet - The online community for People Who Plan Meetings & Events

Honors and Awards:

We Are DeKalb Magazine 2012 - Movers & Shapers: LocalStars Who Make Us Shine
Atlanta Business Chronicle Who's Who 100 Leaders Who Are Shaping Atlanta's Hospitality Industry - July 2011 & July 2012
Dream 365 Oasis of Freedom and Justice Award - January 2011
Junteenth Outstanding Community Service Award - January 2011
Sam Kaye Main Street Excellence in Building Renovation Award – 2010 Tennessee Williams Home Restoration
Mississippi Tourism Association CVB of the Year Award 2009
-Budgets over $750, 000
Dozen Distinctive Destination - National Trust for Historic Preservation - 2008 (Columbus, MS)
International Davey Award Magazine Ad Campaign - 2006
Preserve America City - 2005 (Columbus, MS)
2005 MarCom Creative Gold Award-Magazine Category - 2005 Visitor’s Guide
2005 MarCom Creative Gold Award-Creative/Design and Logo Category - “Innovators” Logo
2005 MarCom Creative Award - Honorable Mention - Bureau Webpage, www.alllake.org
Eagle Scout - BSA Troop 12