GOVERNANCE
Led by people who have done the work
ORBIT is overseen by a Board of Directors drawn from chamber executives, workforce leaders, tourism professionals, and academic experts. The Board serves as ORBIT’s Certification Council, setting and reviewing the standards behind every designation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet the board
FOUNDER AND CHAIR
Dr. Amara Osei
CDEX
President and CEO, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Twenty years leading one of the UK’s largest chambers. Oversees ORBIT’s executive credential standards.
VICE CHAIR
James Whitfield
CWDE
Executive Director, Regional Workforce Development Board
Aligns workforce strategy with economic growth across a three-state region. Chairs the Certification Council.
DIRECTOR
Dr. Elena Vasquez
CDMC
Chief Marketing Officer, Destination Marketing Organization
Leads destination branding for a top-ten U.S. visitor market. Advises on the CDMC curriculum.
DIRECTOR
Robert Chen
ORBIT CCE
President, State Chamber Executives Association
Thirty years in chamber leadership. Designed the applied leadership project at the heart of the ORBIT CCE program.
DIRECTOR
Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid
CDEX
Professor of Tourism Management
Published researcher on destination resilience. Ensures ORBIT programs reflect current academic best practice.
DIRECTOR
Maria Santos
CWRP
Director, Economic Development Agency
Champions the Resilience Series and early-career pathways into the profession.
Interested in serving on the board?
Review the requirements and terms, then fill out the board application.
Structure and governance
ORBIT is the global certifying organization for professionals in destination marketing, workforce development, tourism, and commerce. Its Board of Directors serves as the Certification Council, establishing and reviewing certification requirements annually, with advisory committees reviewing curricula, ensuring quality assurance, and overseeing accreditation integrity.