Madden Announces Key Leadership Hires to Strengthen Commitment to Destination Strategy & Community Impact
October 17, 2024
Madden continues to strengthen its leadership team to drive growth and innovation in destination marketing and community development. We are proud to welcome two new leaders, Bria Hammock and Jessica Hill, to our leadership team. Bria joins as the Vice President of Destination Strategy, leading our Mountain West team (Team Goat), while Jessica steps into the role of Senior Vice President of Destination Strategy, guiding the Western team (Team Sasquatch). Additionally, Kristin Dialessi, a longtime leader at Madden, has transitioned into the role of Chief of Staff, further emphasizing our commitment to organizational excellence and impactful community work.
“At Madden, we believe in the power of inspired leadership to create meaningful impact,” said Dan Janes, CEO of Madden Media. “These hires are a reflection not only of our belief in the incredible talent within our team but also of our unwavering commitment to driving real results for our clients. Whether it’s through the lens of a small business owner or by attracting films that elevate a community’s profile, this team understands the full scope of what it takes to unlock the potential of a community.”
These leadership advancements reflect Madden’s ongoing dedication to leveraging destination marketing as a powerful tool for community growth, ensuring sustainable, lasting impact for both visitors and residents alike.
Bria Hammock: Vice President of Destination Strategy, Mountain West (Team Goat)
What happens when you mix creative genius with a love for local communities? You get Bria! She’s leading the charge for our Mountain West region, and with a resume that includes everything from award-winning brands to serving as Wyoming’s first Artist-in-Residence, we know she’s the perfect fit to lead Team Goat (greatest of all time status, for sure).
As a small business owner, and member of the Wyoming Workforce Development Council, her ability to connect people, culture, and communities is unparalleled. Bria is an expert at how creativity and community intersect, supporting communities to create vibrant, locally inspired pieces that are full of life and irresistible to visitors.
Jessica Hill: Senior Vice President of Destination Strategy, Western US (Team Sasquatch)
If you thought Sasquatch sightings were rare, wait until you see the impact Jessica Hill is going to make on communities. With her background in tourism as the former marketing leader for Visit Fort Worth, Jessica helped transform Fort Worth into a thriving hub for film and television, generating over $600M in economic impact, and creating more than 20,000 local jobs.
She played a key role in turning Fort Worth into a Hollywood hotspot, bringing major TV shows and films like 1883 and The Old Man & The Gun to the city as a leader and founding member in the Fort Worth Film Commission. Jessica’s knack for mixing tourism, culture, and economic development will help Madden’s clients bring their one-of-a-kind stories to life, turning destinations and communities into must-see spots for travelers and filmmakers alike.
Kristin Dialessi: Chief of Staff
Kristin Dialessi is stepping into the brand-new role of Chief of Staff, and she’s bringing her A-game-and a whole lot of passion for sustainable tourism and strong communities. Kristin is like the glue that’s going to keep this well-oiled machine running even smoother (think less duct tape, and more rocket fuel). With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Destination Development and extensive experience leading teams, Kristin’s expertise in community development and her deep passion for making sure tourism benefits both visitors and residents makes her a key player in our ongoing mission to create lasting, positive change.
Now, as Madden’s Chief of Staff, Kristin is focused on making sure the gears keep turning smoothly across all teams. Whether she’s guiding strategy for community engagement or ensuring all of our teams are firing on all cylinders, Kristin’s got the skills (and the heart) to make sure we continue delivering world-class creative and strategy for our clients and partners.
The Future Looks Bright
At Madden, we’ve always believed that destination marketing is about more than just campaigns or creative (though, we love those too!). We’re all about creating real, lasting connections between communities and their visitors. Whether it’s through the creative arts, film, or sustainable tourism, our goal is to help places shine in ways that resonate for years to come.
“At the end of the day, destination marketing isn’t just about bringing in tourists,” added Dan Janes. “It’s about sparking imagination, building economic opportunities, and creating experiences that enrich communities for generations to come. Our team’s experience—whether through small business leadership, workforce development, or crafting campaigns that capture the imagination—cements our ability to deliver exactly what our clients and their communities need to succeed.”
