Our Team

James Tsismanakis serves as the CEO of Discover DeKalb, the DeKalb Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Sports DeKalb. With a Master’s degree in Global Hospitality Management from Georgia State University and ongoing Ph.D. studies in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University, James brings a wealth of academic insight and practical expertise to his leadership role.

In addition to leading Discover DeKalb, James shares his knowledge as an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University’s Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality, teaching International Special Events Management and Venue Management. His expertise spans tourism, destination marketing, product development, sports management, and community relations.

James also hosts the podcast DeKalb Talks Tourism, where he delves into tourism trends and developments.

Under James' leadership, Discover DeKalb and Sports DeKalb focus on showcasing the rich art, culture, and sports offerings of DeKalb County while uniting product development and tourism interests. These efforts celebrate and support the unique cities and neighborhoods Discover DeKalb represents.

He loves spending time with his wife, Bethany, and their three children, and is passionate about making meaningful connections both professionally and personally. When he's not leading, teaching, or podcasting, James embraces his inner Trekkie as a devoted Star Trek superfan. His passion for exploration and connection—whether across the galaxy or within the community—makes him an inspiring leader for Discover DeKalb.

Krystal Clark is the organizational heartbeat of Discover DeKalb, serving as the Executive Assistant and keeping our ecosystem running smoothly. From managing schedules to ensuring day-to-day operations flow seamlessly, Krystal’s attention to detail and multitasking skills keep the team on track and thriving.

Originally from Clearwater, Florida, Krystal has a background in business and digital marketing, thanks to her time at both St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida. She’s also furthering her expertise by pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing—a testament to her drive for growth and innovation.

When she’s not keeping things in order at Discover DeKalb, Krystal enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and spending time with her beloved toy poodle, Dede. Her unique mix of organizational prowess, creative flair, and dedication makes her an invaluable member of the Discover DeKalb team.

Dorcas Milton is the heart and soul of Discover DeKalb, serving as the Office Manager. From ensuring smooth office management to keeping everything organized and running efficiently, Dorcas is the backbone of our team, making sure everything stays in top shape.

Originally from Heidelberg, Mississippi, Dorcas is a proud alumna of Alcorn State University. Her dedication and attention to detail are a testament to her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Outside of work, Dorcas enjoys spending time with her children & grandchildren, indulging her love for gardening, and caring for her dog, Charlie. Her nurturing spirit and ability to balance it all make her an essential part of the Discover DeKalb family, both in the office and beyond.

Ana Alviz is the vibrant and energetic accountant at Discover DeKalb, bringing fun and excitement into the office every day. With her sharp eye for numbers and positive attitude, Ana keeps our financials in check while making sure the atmosphere is always upbeat and engaging.

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Ana now brings her expertise to Georgia, where she earned her degree in Accounting from Georgia State University. Her background in accounting is complemented by her lively personality, making her a perfect fit for our team.

Outside of work, Ana enjoys spending time with her husband, Martin, and their two kids. She’s also passionate about staying active, whether it’s through working out, dancing, or jamming out to music. Ana’s enthusiasm for life, combined with her financial know-how, makes her an invaluable part of the Discover DeKalb family.

Heesoo Oh is the Special Projects & Research Manager at Discover DeKalb, spearheading campaigns that highlight the best of our community and ensuring visitors discover all that DeKalb has to offer. With her innovative ideas and dedication to hospitality, Heesoo plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s success.

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Heesoo attended Georgia State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Hospitality Administration and a Master’s in Global Hospitality Management. Her extensive experience in hospitality and marketing gives her a well-rounded approach to connecting with audiences.

When she’s not crafting impactful research strategies, Heesoo enjoys playing golf, spending time with her dog, Bori, and cherishing moments with her husband, Juyoung Son, and their daughter. Her leadership and personal touch make Heesoo an essential part of the Discover DeKalb family.

Mike Vescio is the Director of Sales at Discover DeKalb, bringing his passion for building relationships and driving success to the team. Known for his sense of humor and ability to keep things light, Mike is always ready to bring some laughter to the office while delivering results.

Originally from Fulton, New York, and raised in Satellite Beach, Florida, Mike brings a diverse perspective to the team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Florida State University, where his passion for performance and storytelling began to shape his professional journey.

When he’s not in the office, Mike loves to indulge in his love of food, travel, and theatre, often seeking out new experiences and performances. A big sports fan, Mike enjoys watching football, golf, and gymnastics, staying connected to the action both on and off the screen.

Mike’s energetic approach to life and work, combined with his passion for connecting with others, makes him an invaluable leader at Discover DeKalb.

Penny Moore is the Group Experiences Manager at Discover DeKalb, specializing in helping families and couples plan unforgettable events in our community. With her warm personality and attention to detail, Penny ensures that every reunion and wedding she oversees is as seamless as it is memorable.

Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Penny attended Georgia Piedmont Technical College (formerly DeKalb Technical College).

Outside of work, Penny is a proud mom who loves spending time with her two kids and attending family gatherings. A true sports fanatic, she enjoys watching all kinds of sports, but her heart belongs to her favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. Penny’s passion for bringing people together and her dedication to her work make her an invaluable part of the Discover DeKalb team.

Jezell Griffin brings her charm and organizational skills to Discover DeKalb as the Group ExperiencesCoordinator. Whether she's coordinating campaigns or supporting sales efforts, Jezell is a key player in keeping the team connected and on target.

Hailing from Clarksville, Tennessee, Jezell holds a degree in Organizational Communication from Middle Tennessee State University. Her knack for clear communication and attention to detail makes her a vital part of the Discover DeKalb family.

Standing at 4'9", Jezell may be petite in stature, but she’s big on personality and passion. She loves spending her free time in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals, or enjoying quality time with her husband, Kyle, and their Shih Tzu, Jody. Her love of teamwork, creativity, and community makes her a perfect fit for Discover DeKalb.

Monica Damidi is the creative force behind Discover DeKalb’s social media presence and the producer of our DeKalb Talks Tourism podcast. From developing engaging content across our platforms to curating exciting episodes, Monica ensures that Discover DeKalb’s voice stays fresh, vibrant, and connected with the community.

Originally from New Jersey, Monica holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Georgia State University. Her passion for storytelling and digital engagement has made her an essential part of our marketing team.

When she's not behind the scenes creating captivating content, Monica enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Junior, and their two cats, Pepper and Armani. A true adventurer at heart, Monica loves to travel and go backpacking, always seeking new experiences and perspectives. Her blend of creativity, passion, and curiosity makes her a standout member of the Discover DeKalb team.

Taren Manning is the creative spark behind Discover DeKalb's public relations and communications efforts. Whether she's crafting compelling blog posts, curating engaging LinkedIn updates, designing newsletters, or brainstorming innovative ideas with the team, Taren ensures Discover DeKalb’s voice resonates far and wide.

A proud graduate of Valdosta State University, Taren earned both her BBA in Marketing and her MBA, equipping her with a strong foundation in strategic thinking and storytelling.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Taren has a lifelong love for seafood—especially crawfish. When she’s not crafting communications magic, you can find her scrolling TikTok for inspiration, hunting for the perfect home décor pieces, or catching up with her sorority sisters.

Her passion for creativity, connection, and community shines through in everything she does, making Taren an essential part of the Discover DeKalb team.

Meet Martin Macalino, our new Podcast Producer!

He’s extremely passionate about community, food and storytelling, even better if he is able to connect these interests. With a skillset ranging from passion projects, to commercial work, and feature films- Martin looks for any opportunity that can teach him more about the world we live in and the life of the individual. He spent years working on his storytelling craft, and developing the best crispy roast pork belly recipe.

Before joining the team- Martin was a culinary lead at The Spotted Trotter charcuterie, produced the podcast and digital content for a NYC based fintech agency, and ran different culinary popups on the side (ranging from Filipino BBQ, Japanese pizza and tapas, and bagel shop smash burgers). You can find him traveling around Dekalb’s many farmers markets, thrift shops, craft stores, and discovering new and unique eats all around. Some of his favorite Dekalb spots are Kamayan, Mammak, Po-Boy Shop, Halal Guys, and Smiley’s Burger Club.