Austin, TX (July 9, 2025) — On June 26, 2025, the achievements of 23 travel and tourism industry professionals were celebrated at the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center in College Station. These dedicated individuals successfully completed the rigorous Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) program offered at Travel & Tourism College, a program of the Texas Travel Alliance.

The Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation signifies mastery in travel and tourism courses centered around marketing, management, leadership, and administration. Over the course of three years, these professionals engaged in an intensive curriculum led by university professors, industry thought leaders, and seasoned CEOs. Their coursework covered essential topics such as crisis management, sustainable tourism practices, stakeholder relationships, industry advocacy, and effective marketing strategies, among others.

Congratulations to the following professionals who received their CTE designations this year:

Ken Adams, Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Stephanie Andrews, Visit Amarillo

Ana Reyna Arzate, Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tori Bellos, Visit Boerne

Jim Cisneros, Texas State Parks

Melinda Compton, Port Aransas Tourism Bureau & Chamber of Commerce

Elizabeth Espinoza, Visit Lubbock

Jonna Gaddy, Discover San Angelo

Barbara Jean Garza, Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce

Kristen Gibson, Visit Granbury

Rosanna Gossett, Texas State Aquarium

Saydee Gutierrez, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

Sharon Harper, Terrell Chamber of Commerce/CVB

Courtney Jones, City of Temple

Carita Jundt, Bandera County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Maria Mejia, Belizing.com

Diana Pardue, Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

Madeline Phillips, Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism

Allison Richards, Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau

Anthony Rivera, Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce

America Segura, Visit Corpus Christi

Hope Stokes, Visit Amarillo

Leigh Wooldridge, Visit McAllen

2025 Texas Travel College Students

Erika Boyd, President & CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, commends the CTE recipients: "In earning the CTE designation, these dedicated professionals have deepened their expertise across key areas of travel and tourism. From industry trends to advocacy and research, they are well-prepared to take on greater responsibilities. These individuals represent the leaders and future leaders of our industry—rising stars who are shaping the future of travel in Texas and beyond.”

Travel & Tourism College is open to all travel & tourism professionals from across the United States. For more information on Travel & Tourism College, visit www.texastravelalliance.org/events. 

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About Travel & Tourism College (TTC)

Travel & Tourism College (TTC) is a program presented by the Texas Travel Alliance. TTC is a three-year certification program consisting of a week of intensive tourism marketing and management courses offered in June of each year. TTC is open to all travel & tourism professionals from across the United States. Travel and tourism professionals who complete the three-year program and a capstone project receive the Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation.

About Texas Travel Alliance

The Texas Travel Alliance is the voice of the travel and tourism industry in Texas. We advocate for policies that help our industry grow and thrive. We provide professional development opportunities to elevate our industry’s leaders. And we create connections that will help our members flourish and succeed. The travel industry has a $193 billion impact on the Texas economy and enables all other business sectors to thrive and grow. The travel industry helps cultivate a quality of life for all Texans. That’s why we believe Life is Better in a State of Travel! For more information about the Texas Travel Alliance: texastravelalliance.org.