Derrin Smith

Background

About Derrin Smith

Since 2011 I have been employed with Destination Cleveland (formerly Positively Cleveland), which is Cleveland's destination marketing and management organization. I began my career here as a Marketing Assistant with various functions supporting the marketing and PR teams. My position has since grown and evolved into an integrated marketing project manager role. Primary markets include Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Cincinnati. I am passionate for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, and am an advocate of urban renewal and economic development through travel and tourism. I am excited witness the many changes in the image of this region over the past decade and excited to help rebuilt the travel and tourism industry post-COVID. Career highlights: securing and successfully hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention, launching and managing a new travel and tourism brand for Cleveland, evolving this brand, the Cavaliers 2016 NBA Championship, 2019 MLB All-Star Game, the 2021 NFL Draft, the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, and personally witnessing an economic resurgence in Cleveland throughout the 2010s. Strengths: Destination marketing, marketing strategy, project management, destination branding, brand management, budget management, media buying, economic and urban geography.