Donald Richardson named Chief Financial Officer of Brand USA

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand USA, the public-private partnership responsible for launching the United States' first-ever nationally coordinated tourism marketing effort, today announced Donald Richardson has joined the organization as chief financial officer.  In this critical leadership role, Richardson is responsible for developing and leading the financial strategy for the organization in a way that is responsive to Brand USA's key stakeholders, ensures compliance with policies and operating controls, and enables the organization to make strategic decisions and accurately measure performance and return on investment of its core initiatives.

With over 30 years of professional experience in accounting, financial management, automated systems and information technology trends, Richardson has demonstrated technical, management, and programmatic capabilities in all facets of business process engineering, organizational design, strategic planning and systems implementations.

"We are excited to have Don join our team," said Chris Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA.  "Over the course of his exemplary career, he has provided clients with superior leadership during critical growth and transition phases, including hiring professional and technical staff, developing strategic plans, implementing effective management information systems, and directing complex projects."

A former partner with KPMG, Richardson was responsible for spearheading service delivery to several non-Department of Defense (DoD) U.S. government agencies, including the Executive Office of the President, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and the Department of Agriculture. Following the spinoff of KPMG to BearingPoint, a management and technology-consulting firm, Richardson served as managing director and partner.  In his capacity with both organizations, he provided IT and operational services to a variety of governmental clients and was responsible for market development, service delivery and profit/loss management.

Richardson currently serves on the boards of the DC Public Library Foundation, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, the District of Columbia Urban League Finance Committee, and the Shiloh Baptist Church. He has also served as a director on the DC Board of Accountancy (Vice Chair), Wolf Trap Associates (Treasurer), Studio Theatre, and the Whitman Walker Clinic.

A Certified Public Accountant, Richardson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Appalachian State University.

About Brand USA

Brand USA was established by the Travel Promotion Act to spearhead the nation's first global marketing effort to promote the United States as a premier travel destination and to communicate U.S. entry/exit policies and procedures to worldwide travelers.  Formed as the Corporation for Travel Promotion in 2010, the public-private entity began operations in May 2011 and does business as Brand USA.   Brand USA works in close partnership with the travel industry to maximize the economic and social benefits of travel.  These benefits include fostering understanding between people and cultures, creating jobs essential to the economy. The program's activities are funded at no cost to U.S. taxpayers through a combination of private-sector investment and matching funds collected by the U.S. Government from international visitors who come to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Through its call-to-action—Discover America—Brand USA inspires travelers to explore the United States of America's boundless possibilities. For industry or partner information about Brand USA, visit www.TheBrandUSA.com. For information about exceptional and unexpected travel experiences in the United States, please visit Brand USA's consumer website at www.DiscoverAmerica.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Anne Madison
Brand USA
301-385-8296
[email protected]

SOURCE Brand USA