Walton County Tourism Department's Director of Marketing Receives Top Accreditation

WALTON COUNTY, FL — JULY 26, 2022 — The Walton County Tourism Department is honored to announce that its Director of Marketing, Kelli Carter has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) credential through Destinations International. 

“CDME has been an accomplishment in the making for quite a while. Although I may have personally attended the classes and completed the assignments; it takes an entire village. This would not be possible without my family and my work family. Both have been instrumental in keeping me on task and providing the encouragement and support to succeed,” Carter says.

The CDME credential is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement and prepares senior executives to thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focuses on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. 

Carter began her career with the tourism department as a marketing assistant in 2006 and has continually sought out more challenges and a variety of roles within the department. She was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2018 and then Director of Marketing in 2021. 

When she’s not creating marketing campaigns to support the Walton County visitor economy, Carter can be found spending time with her husband, Kevin; daughter Ali; sipping a cool drink under an umbrella at Grayton Beach, enjoying the natural peace and tranquility of her backyard along the Choctawhatchee River, or wearing mouse ears while riding It’s A Small World at Disney World.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Kelli and all of the time, effort, and commitment that’s gone into earning this credential,” says Matt Algarin, Tourism Director for the Walton County Tourism Department. “She continues to show her passion and dedication to her craft by investing in her professional growth, which ultimately benefits our local community.”

To learn more about the Walton County Tourism Department and its mission, visit www.visitsouthwalton.com. 

About South Walton:

Located along a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own visual style, amenities and charm. South Walton is home to four state parks, one state forest, and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, South Walton was named one of the “Secret Florida Beaches” by Travel + Leisure, but is easily accessible as a drive to destination or by flying to nearby airports Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to recharge and build lasting memories. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com or follow Visit South Walton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.