About Us

Learn More About CRUSA

The Capital Region USA (CRUSA) is a non-profit tourism coalition comprised of, and funded primarily by, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Destination DC and the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. The coalition also receives significant support from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. CRUSA strives to increase visitation and economic impact to the region from selected international markets by implementing innovative marketing programs and public/private sector partnerships.

Our Vision

CRUSA will be recognized as the premiere destination marketing organization on the East Coast. We will pursue our mission with a focus on innovation, partnerships and results. We will measure our success when our business model attracts funding; when our programming attracts partners; when our brand is recognized across all stakeholder groups and targeted consumer markets; when our deployment strategies are recognized as innovative and “leading edge”; and when our management practices are fully accountable and considered “top of class”.

Markets

Primary: The United Kingdom and Germany
Secondary: France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico & Brazil
Emerging: Korea and China

Board of Directors

Virginia Tourism Corporation:

Alisa Bailey, President & CEO
Diane Bechamps, Vice President, Marketing
Heidi Johannesen, International Marketing Director

Maryland Office of Tourism Development:

Margot Amelia, Executive Director
Camila Clark, Public Relations & Promotions Manager
Lucy Chittenden, Assistant Director of Interactive Services

Destination DC:

Elliott Ferguson, President & CEO
Vicki Isley, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Theresa Belpulsi, Vice President, Tourism

Officers:
Chairman – Diane Bechamps
Vice Chairman – Theresa Belpulsi
Secretary/Treasurer – Margot Amelia