VOL. 126 | NO. 57 | Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Memphis Newsmakers
Destination King’s Tagg Honored as ‘Rising Star’
By Taylor Shoptaw
Mary Catherine Tagg, director of operations for Destination King, has received the “Rising Star” award at the fifth annual Association of Destination Management Executives Achievement Awards.

Tagg
(Photo: Lance Murphey)
Hometown: Memphis
Education: The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, bachelor of science in communications, major in public relations
Favorite quote: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” - Gandhi
Favorite music: All varieties, but especially Motown, ’80s, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Cocker, and anything that makes me dance.
Activities you enjoy outside of work: I love to travel and spend time with my family. I also enjoy anything outdoors, whether it is running along the Mississippi River, attending concerts and festivals, or heading to the beach.
What talent do you wish you had? The ability to sing and dance in heels like Tina Turner.
What originally drew you to Destination King? I have a deep passion for the city ... and this job gives me the opportunity to demonstrate my love for the city. As an accredited, full-service destination management company, Destination King is the source for planning and delivering any event in the Mid-South.
What does winning the Rising Star award mean to you? I am deeply honored. The Association of Destination Management Executives chooses one person throughout the entire country for the Rising Star award. While I received the award, many people have helped me create these intricate events that require many hours of preparation and execution.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments? In 2009, I was honored to help escort the Dalai Lama during his tour of Memphis to receive the International Freedom Award. It was both a personal and professional achievement to have the opportunity to meet such an esteemed figure. But each day is rewarding. The ability to work with individuals who have never been to Memphis, and ensure that they leave a true fan of this city, is my greatest accomplishment.
What do you most enjoy about your work? I love seeing all the different pieces come together to create a memorable event, and of course, the wonderful people I meet along the way.
Elizabeth S. Rudnick has become a member of Kiesewetter Wise Kaplan Prather PLC. Rudnick represents employers in the defense of employment-related claims and in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Labor.
Dave Leutwyler has been promoted from vice president of operations to executive vice president at Memphis Goodwill Inc. Leutwyler’s role is to supervise all donated goods operations and asset management for Memphis Goodwill.
The Salvation Army has announced four additions to its advisory board. They are Jeanette Cooley, retired vice president of Mercury Printing Co.; Dr. Janice Pride-Boone, medical director for Strong Me! Family Weight Management and Contemporary Pediatrics; Carl Carter, associate general counsel for International Paper; and Ellen Losch, volunteer at Independent Presbyterian Church.
Randi Johnson has joined The Bradley Law Firm as an associate attorney. Johnson’s practice centers on estate planning, probate administration and civil litigation.
Dr. Claudette Shephard and John Vines have joined the UT Medical Group Inc. board of directors. Shephard is chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at UT Medical Group and associate professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Vines is the retired chief executive of Campbell Clinic.
Martha Campbell has joined Commercial Alliance Management as management associate at One Commerce Square.
A logo designed by Memphis-based Tactical Magic has been included in the upcoming LogoLounge book, “Faces of Design.” The logo was designed for Utopia Animal Hospital. It also received the Silver ADDY Award for logo design at the 2009 American Advertising Federation National Conference.
John Mims has joined archer>malmo as associate creative director. Laurel Amatangelo and David Yeouze have joined as art directors and Katie Wassmer as senior account executive.