Gov. Napolitano Honors Arizona Office of Tourism Staff

Dawn Melvin, Native American Tourism Development Manager with the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT), received the George S. Mickelson Memorial Fellowship at the Western Governor’s Association (WGA) Annual Meeting on June 12th.

The Fellowship Award, which is one year in duration, was established in 1993 in honor of the WGA’s former chairman. The $15,000 award may be used for program expenses, salary, benefits, travel costs & other related out-of-pocket expenses connected with an innovative program; or for professional course development in the areas of public policy important to the WGA & the furthering of the employee’s competence in public service. As outgoing chairperson of the WGA, Gov. Napolitano selected Dawn for the fellowship. "Dawn will do a fine job in this fellowship, & I was pleased to nominate her for the position," said Gov. Napolitano. "She has done tremendous work for the Arizona Office of Tourism, & I believe she will be an asset to the WGA."

In order to qualify for the Fellowship, applicants must be an Arizona resident & a full-time state employee for at least 2 consecutive years with a commitment to public service & to state government & must be willing to sign a contract to return to Arizona for at least 1 year of service to the State. All applicants must share information & advice acquired during the fellowship experience with WGA member states & must be willing to apply the skills & knowledge acquired during the fellowship experience to emerging issues in public service & state government. Dawn will use the Fellowship to attend professional development courses in areas that will increase her knowledge of political, legal, economic, structural & cultural issues as they relate to tribal tourism & economic development efforts. This will provide a greater understanding of the relationship between tribal, Federal & State governments, allowing her to work closer with the tribes in Arizona & providing practical knowledge of emerging issues.

“We are very proud that Dawn was chosen to receive this award,” said AOT Director Margie Emmermann. “She has reached out to Native American communities throughout the state, working to further their tourism marketing & product development. Her unique ability to connect with people has helped increased AOT’s ability to market Arizona as a culture destination.”

The Western Governors' Foundation serves as the source of strategic seed capital for research projects at the Western Governors' Association & for other organizations & individuals that help serve the governors & the region. The Foundation accepts grants & gifts from corporations, foundations & individuals. With these charitable donations, the Foundation makes awards to WGA & others who assist it in policy development & implementation. Created as an executive agency in 1975, the Arizona Office of Tourism is charged with enhancing the state economy & the quality of life for all Arizonans by expanding travel activity & increasing related revenues through tourism promotion & development. AOT works to serve the Grand Canyon State’s travel industry & related businesses, the traveling public, & the taxpayers of Arizona.