Destination Dutchess Welcomes New Board Leadership to Guide the Next Decade of Growth

Dutchess Tourism, Inc., d.b.a. Destination Dutchess since April 2025, announced the election of members and officers to its 2026 Board of Directors at its annual meeting, January 29, 2026. Building on a decade of growth, strategic partnerships and industry recognition, the organization’s board will guide Destination Dutchess into its next chapter, focused on long-term sustainability, innovation and community impact. 

Tourism continues to play a significant role in Dutchess County’s economy, generating $811 million in visitor spending and contributing $98.1 million in state and local taxes annually that ultimately benefit the community. The industry supports 10,213 jobs, representing 9.1% of the county’s workforce, with a combined income of $412.1 million that circulates through local businesses. Without tourism-generated tax revenue, each household in Dutchess County would need to pay an additional $851 to offset the loss. 

"Over the past 10 years, Dutchess Tourism has helped shape a destination that inspires visitors while enriching the quality of life for residents,” said Melaine Rottkamp, president and CEO of Destination Dutchess. “As we look to the next decade, this board brings the vision, expertise and collaboration needed to build on that success.” 

Election of new board members to a three-year term: 

• Philip Bronzi, chief lending officer, Rhinebeck Bank 
• Tom Denlinger, general manager, Hudson Valley Renegades 
• Amy Dittmar, manager of regulatory affairs and compliance, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp 
• Elly Erickson, director of advancement, Trinity Pawling School 
• Amanda Giacalone, founder and owner, Amanda’s Macaron Shoppe and Just a Little Pie Shop 
• Trish Santini, co-founder and executive director, Empire Center for the Arts 

The newly elected board members bring expertise in finance, fundraising, regulatory compliance, governance, sports and cultural tourism, small business ownership and community development. Their combined experience will strengthen strategic oversight, advocacy and long-term leadership to the non-profit organization. 

• Additionally, the following board members were approved for a second three-year term. 
• Jasmin Davis, manager of foundation advancement, Sun River Health 
• Rick Tietjen, vice president, chief of staff and information technology, The Culinary Institute of America 
• Dennis Macheska, associate dean of the college for campus activities, Vassar College  

Election of officers 

• Chairperson: Danielle Strauch, Esq., partner, Van DeWater & Van DeWater, LLP 
• Past chair: Brandon Walker, owner, B&L Hospitality 
• 1st vice chairperson: Seif Fakhoury, sales executive, Marriott International 
• 2nd vice chairperson: Jennifer Soukup, owner, Soukup Farms 
• Treasurer: Dennis Macheska, associate dean of the College for Campus Activities, Vassar College 
• Secretary: Maureen Peters Gittelman, assistant professor and program chair, hospitality and tourism management, Dutchess Community College 

Rottkamp added, "We are deeply grateful for the years of dedicated service and support of Kevin Allan, Brent Caster and Gaye Mallet, who all served as officers during their tenure but are now terming off the board. In his new role as past chair, we are thrilled Brandon will continue to enthusiastically support our organization and assist incoming leadership as we look ahead. Together, we will continue to strengthen our tourism economy, support our communities and ensure Dutchess County remains a place where people want to visit, live, work and invest.” 

“It has been an honor to serve as chair of Destination Dutchess and to work alongside such a dedicated board and professional staff,” Walker said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, including the successful rebranding of the organization, and I look forward to supporting Danielle and the rest of the board as tourism in Dutchess continues to thrive.”  

“Tourism is a powerful catalyst for our community’s vitality and the board has an important role to play in advocating for the policies and partnerships that support its continued success,” said Strauch. “Destination Dutchess is a driver of that progress and as chair, I look forward to strengthening the board’s leadership, ensuring growth remains thoughtful, inclusive and beneficial to residents, businesses and communities countywide.”