NASHVILLE – The Nashville Convention & Visitor Corp’s Mary Peyton Carpenter, Senior Director, Marketing, has been named to Destinations International’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. Destinations International is the largest and most respected association of destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus, and tourism boards, with more than 9,500 members and partners from over 750 destinations worldwide.
“We are incredibly proud of Mary Peyton for being named to this prestigious program of future leaders in our industry,” said Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “This recognition is a testament to Mary Peyton’s talent, passion and dedication to promoting Nashville as a world-class destination. We’re lucky to have Mary Peyton on our team, and we’re excited to see how she will continue to grow and lead in this industry.”
Carpenter most recently managed development of the NCVC’s new website and led the Dine Nashville program this year in her role overseeing the Digital Marketing, Social Media, and Promotions departments, leading strategies that elevate Nashville’s brand and drive tourism. Her work spans website and email marketing, content creation, platform innovation and strategic promotions that connect visitors to Nashville’s creative culture. She previously served as the NCVC’s Content Marketing Manager, where she helped shape the city’s digital voice and deepen audience engagement. She has also led marketing strategies for national clients as Senior Marketing Manager at Collideoscope.
Destinations International is committed to developing future industry leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through a competitive process each year, 30 individuals under the age of 30 are selected for a valuable year-long industry education and networking opportunity. This year’s honorees hail from 30 unique destinations across four countries and territories and were selected from a competitive pool of 91 applicants. The 30 Under 30 program is funded by the Destinations International Foundation and supported by founding program partner, SearchWide Global.
“The 30 Under 30 program is a critical initiative directly aligned with the mission and vision of our association,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of Destinations International. “The destinations sector and travel and tourism industry offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities, and it is crucial that we help identify and encourage our future leaders. We are excited to welcome these accomplished individuals to the Destinations International 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.”
“The Destinations International Foundation believes it is essential to support and empower emerging leaders in our industry,” said Amir Eylon, President and CEO of Longwoods International and chair of the Destinations International Foundation. “We are thrilled to see the 30 Under 30 Program enter its 15th year, and we are thankful to our foundation investors for making impactful programs like these possible. We look forward to engaging with this impressive group through professional development, educational opportunities and networking with industry peers and leaders.”
“We are thrilled to welcome a new class of 30 Under 30 honorees,” said Mike Gamble, Chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global. “These emerging leaders represent the bright future of our industry with their exceptional drive, innovation, energy and passion. We are incredibly proud to support them on their journey.”
The 2025 30 Under 30 Class includes:
- Aimy Thai, Marketing Manager, Destination Toronto
- Allie May, Senior Coordinator, Brand USA
- Ansley Connor, Content and Social Media Manager, Visit Savannah
- Aubrey Caldwell, Sports Event Coordinator, Visit Lake Charles
- Benjamin Landis, Marketing Manager, Discover Santa Clara
- Cameron Molloy, Communications Specialist, Visit Mesa
- Charlotte Moody, Director of Sales, Visit Macon
- Elise Cameron, Creative Services Manager, Visit Aurora
- Erin Sinclair, Travel Media Manager, Destination Greater Victoria
- Gabe Wasylko, Senior Social Media Manager, Destination Cleveland
- Jen Wingate, CMP, Senior National Sales Manager, Visit Baltimore
- Katlyn Southern, Marketing and Communications Manager, Cartersville Museum City
- Kiira Grant, Tourism Standards and Training Specialist - Learning & Development Professional, Bermuda Tourism Authority
- Lauren Brown, Marketing & Social Media Specialist, Visit Austin
- Lea Nelson, Brand and Content Coordinator, Visit Quad Cities
- Lydia Williams, Industry Communications Manager, VISIT FLORIDA
- Mallori Johnson, Director of Destination Services, Visit Corpus Christi
- Mary Peyton Carpenter, Sr. Director of Marketing, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
- Melissa Bernal, Destination Experience Coordinator, Visit Greater Palm Springs
- Nick Price, Senior Manager, Sports & Events, Destination DC
- Nohemi Reynoso, Communications Manager, Pick Ellijay/Gilmer Chamber
- Rachel Nogalski, Director of Experience & Events, Tulsa Regional Tourism
- Raelyn Dessart, Senior Sales & Events Supervisor, Visit Central Florida Sports
- Rebekah Courtney, National Sales Manager, Louisville Tourism
- Rylee Govoreau, Destination Services Manager, ATL Airport District CVB
- Shauna Fitzgerald, Association Conferences Support, Fáilte Ireland
- Siri Emereje, Marketing Manager, Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Taylor Melangton, Event & Communications Manager, Visit Indy
- Tyler Duplantis, Destination Sales Manager, Explore Houma
- Valeria Ayala, Media Relations Coordinator, Discover Puerto Rico
For more information on the 30 Under 30 program and the 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, visit destinationsinternational.org.
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