Deborah J.  Martin, CMP, DMCP

Chief Operating Officer, Destination Concepts

Deborah has been in the Destination Management industry for over 19 years.  Her long term experience includes operating high level, complex events and incentive programs, creating quality assurance and training programs, managing and opening multiple DMC locations and overseeing DMC business operations.  Her current position involves overseeing the operation of DCi including financials, legal, systems, technology, growth planning and long range strategic planning. She enjoys working for a company that is known for client service, innovation and creativity.

Debbie has been the recipient of the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau “Perfect Host” award for outstanding service to the city.  In 1996 she received the highly sought after Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation which recognizes high standards of proficiency in meeting management as demonstrated by substantial professional experience and superior examination performance.  In May of 2002, Deborah was recognized as one of San Diego’s premiere businesswoman at the annual Tribute to Women & Industry event. The event honors women who have made a significant contribution to industry in managerial, executive or professional roles.  In 2005 she was awarded the Woman Who Mean Business Award, annually awarded to 25 dynamic women business leaders, selected for their outstanding achievements and contributions to both the workplace and community, while serving as role models for other women or young girls.  More recently, she was profiled in the San Diego Business Journal as an “Executive to Watch” and was profiled for an article called “Change Agent” which appeared in the January 2007 edition of Smart Business Magazine. She has been nominated by her peers as one of three finalists for the Association of DMC Executives (ADME) for both 2006 and 2007 “DMC Professional of the Year”  awarded for special recognition, excellence and contribution to the Hospitality Industry.  Debbie received her Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) certification in February 2007.

She is a member of the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME), Site, the Meeting and Industry Ladies Organization (MILO) and Vistage, a CEO organization.

Since 2007, Deborah has been appointed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to the state’s Hearing Aid Dispensers Advisory Bureau which serves the Department of Consumer Affairs. Debbie is also very involved in the community including fundraising for the YMCA Deaf and Hard of Hearing Camp and the Annual YWCA In the Company of Woman luncheon. She has served as President of the Board for the Pacific Women’s Sports Foundation and the Children's Choice for Hearing and Talking Center (CCHAT). She is also a Board Member and participant in the annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Family Camp and the UCSD Rady School of Business Advisory Board.

Debbie is a native San Diegan with a Magna Cum Laude degree in Business Law.  In her free time, Debbie enjoys time with her family and friends, cooking and entertaining, laughter, music, boating and golf.