Nerissa Okiye

Nerissa Okiye currently serves as Martin County’s Tourism Director. She is responsible for developing and implementing Martin County’s marketing, publicity, and promotions campaigns designed to stimulate tourism growth.

With a career spanning over 26 years, Nerissa has amassed a wealth of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Her journey includes a 13-year tenure at the Georgia Department of Economic Development within the Tourism Division, several years at Swissotel in Atlanta, and a role as a Special Assistant to the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands.

She currently serves on the Executive Board of Destination Florida, Visit Florida’s Marketing Council, Destinations International, Social Inclusion Committee, and the Small Destination Task Force. She is the Co-Chair of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Education Committee.

In prior years, Okiye has also served on the Board of Directors of VISIT FLORIDA, Southeast Tourism Society, and Southeast Travel and Research Association.

A native of the United States Virgin Islands and a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, she holds dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology. Nerissa earned her Certified Diversity Travel Professional certification in 2022, her Certified Autism Travel Professional (2024), and her Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) certification in 2024.