Rasheeda Martin

Martin joined VAAAC in September of 2024 and oversees the sales, services, external communications, and partnership teams, working to strengthen relationships with government entities, industry partners, and local communities. She leads initiatives aligned with VAAAC’s long-term strategic objectives, which include promoting sustainable tourism, fostering inclusivity, and enhancing the region’s economic vitality. As an established leader in the tourism and sales industry, she is known for staying ahead of industry trends and best practices. In 2025, she joined the Destination’s International Advisory Leadership Board.  

Martin lives by the motto - “To much is given, much is required.” 

Prior to joining VAAAC, Martin spent over seven years with Explore York, a destination marketing organization based in York, Pennsylvania. During her tenure, she progressed from Event Services Coordinator to Sport Sales & Services Manager, ultimately serving as Director of Sales, Services & Partnerships. During her tenure at Explore York, Martin led a team focused on increasing visitation and hotel room nights in York County through sports, meetings, group tours and international travel. Through her various roles within the organization, she gained a unique perspective into the needs of hosting organizations and worked with rights holders to execute events.  

Combining her passion for sports, as a former Division I athlete in lacrosse, with her results-driven tourism experience, she worked on numerous high-profile sports projects, including the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship, Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Indoor Winter Games, PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships, the International Senior Softball Association’s Senior Classic, and heavily promoted the Memorial Park Sports Complex, a 72-acre sports facility featuring eight softball fields, a skate park, batting cages, volleyball courts and more. At Explore York, Martin was recognized for her exceptional performance in surpassing sales targets, achieving consistent revenue growth, and elevating sports tourism as a key driver of local tourism. Her strategic insight and customer-centric approach significantly increased visitor spending and enhanced York County’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. Additionally, Martin holds an STS (Sports Tourism Strategist) accreditation from the Sports Events & Tourism Association, highlighting her commitment to excellence in the field.  

Early in her career, Martin also served as a Social Sales Manager within the hotel industry at Wyndham Garden York where she excelled in sales planning, client relations, and operations oversight. She has a proven track record of developing innovative marketing strategies, securing sponsorships, negotiating contracts, and managing multi-million-dollar budgets. In addition, Martin spent six years as the owner of an event planning firm, where she coordinated all aspects of production and special events from start to finish. She uses her strong communication and relationship building skills to identify new prospects, provide outstanding customer service, and ensure events run smoothly. 

A Baltimore native, Martin has a zealous focus on mentoring emerging tourism professionals. Her volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the Rotary Club of York, along with her dedication to leadership, has inspired many in her community. She also served on the board of the William C. Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum during her time in York.  

She currently resides in York with her husband and three children. She is an avid explorer of the world, having visited six countries as well as 49 states. She is also passionate about sustainability efforts and ocean conservation. Her love of travel and the wonders of the ocean was sparked during a semester at sea where she explored South America and much of the Atlantic Ocean.  

Her favorite place to visit within Anne Arundel County is Harry Browne’s!