LAKE CHARLES, La. (July 17, 2025) — Visit Lake Charles is proud to announce that three of its team members have earned the prestigious Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation from Destinations International (DI), the global association for destination organizations. The CDME is the highest individual educational achievement in the tourism industry, recognizing leaders with advanced knowledge and strategic insight in destination marketing and management.
Taylor Beard Stanley, vice president of sales; Kathryn Shea Duncan, senior director of social media and communications; and Colten Miller, senior director of brand marketing, were awarded their CDME designations during Destinations International’s Annual Convention held in Chicago.
In addition, Aubrey Caldwell, sports event and volunteer coordinator, was selected as a recipient of DI’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. This annual recognition highlights 30 emerging leaders in the tourism industry from across the globe.
“I am very proud of our team,” said Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles. “At Visit Lake Charles, we believe in giving our team members opportunities to grow and excel professionally. Aubrey’s recognition as a member of this year’s 30 under 30 class, as well as Taylor, Kathryn Shea and Colten’s completion of the CDME program reflects their dedication to professional growth and leadership within the tourism industry.”
Caldwell is among an accomplished class of honorees representing 30 destinations across four countries. Throughout the year, the 30 Under 30 program will provide year-long professional development and networking opportunities.
The CDME program is designed to equip destination leaders with strategic vision and business acumen in an evolving industry landscape. Participants complete four core courses, two electives, a final exam, and a research paper focused on applying knowledge to critical issues within the destination marketing field.
With these new certifications, Visit Lake Charles now has nine CDME-certified team members. Caldwell becomes the third current team member to have received this honor, joining Stanley and Duncan in representing Visit Lake Charles among the industry’s emerging leaders.
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About Visit Lake Charles
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana’s Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.
About Destinations International
Destinations International is the world’s largest and most respected resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 8,000 members and partners from over 750 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world. For more information, visit www.destinationsinternational.org.
