The U.S. Department of Commerce has abruptly dismissed at least four members of the Brand USA board, including its chair, Elliott Ferguson, CEO of Destination DC, according to multiple sources. The members were fired via email.
Brand USA serves as the United States’ national destination marketing organisation, jointly funded and operated by both government and private sector entities. The terminations were made effective immediately on behalf of Howard Lutnick, the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
A spokesperson verified on Monday that Ferguson is no longer serving as Brand USA’s board chair, despite having only commenced his one-year term in December. Meanwhile, Allen Orr previously Brand USA’s board secretary and founder of Washington D.C. based Orr Immigration law firm confirmed he was also removed from the board last Friday.
Sources indicate that others dismissed from the board included senior officers, notably vice chair Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of hospitality group Upward Projects, and treasurer Kristen Esposito, principal of tourism marketing consultancy Esposito Global Partners.
Following the dismissals, the remaining Brand USA board members include Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises; Tim Mapes, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at Delta Air Lines; Danny Hughes, president of the Americas at Hilton; and Stephanie Young, president of Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions.