Beyond the Award: Meet Our 2026 Shooting Stars | Part 1
The future of Southeast tourism is shaped by the people making an impact today. The Southeast Tourism Society’s 2026 Shooting Star Award recipients represent the talent, fresh perspectives and dedication moving our industry forward. Get to know this year’s honorees beyond their titles as they share career insights, unexpected experiences, favorite destinations and the advice that has shaped their journeys in tourism.
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I'd book a flight to the Florida Keys. As a lifelong boater and kayaker, I'm happiest on or near the water. I love communities that have embraced their natural assets while preserving their history, local character, and laid-back coastal culture. Every time I visit a place like the Keys, I come home with new ideas about how we can continue showcasing the incredible outdoor recreation and authentic experiences we have here in Liberty County.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
Growing up in Liberty County gave me a unique perspective. I've watched this community evolve, and I've seen firsthand how tourism, economic development, small businesses, and quality of life are all connected. It taught me that the best marketing isn't about slogans—it's about telling authentic stories that make people want to experience a place for themselves.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
People often assume tourism is mostly about marketing destinations, but a large part of my job is actually problem-solving. On any given day I might be working on legislative issues, workforce development, event logistics, grant writing, historic preservation, business recruitment, or community partnerships. Tourism touches almost every aspect of a community.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
Get out from behind your desk. Meet business owners. Attend community events. Walk your downtown. Visit attractions. Eat at local restaurants. Tourism isn't something you can truly understand from an office—you have to experience the destination the same way a visitor would.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
Liberty County, of course! We have an incredible combination of history, military heritage, outdoor recreation, coastal beauty, and authentic Southern hospitality. Beyond that, I'd encourage everyone to visit places that preserve their culture rather than trying to become somewhere else. Those are the destinations that leave the biggest impression.
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
I'm excited that travelers are looking for authentic experiences instead of just checking destinations off a list. People want to meet local artists, hear real stories, eat at locally owned restaurants, paddle our waterways, and understand what makes a community unique. That's exactly where destinations like Liberty County shine.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
I've been fortunate to learn from a number of community leaders over the years, but the biggest lesson I've taken away is that leadership is about building relationships and bringing people together around a common goal. The best projects don't happen because one organization does everything—they happen because everyone contributes their strengths.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
A 5 subject spiral bound college rules notebook and a pencil. I still map everything out by hand before it ever makes it onto my computer. My notes become timelines, task lists, and contingency plans. It may not be glamorous, but it keeps me organized when there are dozens of moving pieces.
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I’d book a flight to Sicily with my husband to explore the land where his family immigrated from. I read a story in high school about a girl who spent a semester abroad there in high school and I’ve wanted to visit ever since to explore the shops, swim in the sea, and try the authentic food.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
Some of my very first jobs were working with children, and I have three children of my own. This has helped me understand that no two people are alike. You can have similar interests, grow up in the same town, and come from the same background, but how you think and operate is unique to you and based on a number of biological and social factors. You cannot expect two people to complete tasks the same way. Even when you’re working toward the same goal, you have to allow people to operate as individuals. Whether that’s cleaning up their toys or gathering assets and information for a big presentation, set your expectations and be prepared to help based on individual needs. Some people need clear instructions, some need freedom to try things out. Get to know your child, coworker, or employee and give them the tools they need to succeed.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
People might be surprised to find out that I had no idea what a CVB was responsible for. I found out about Visit Lake Charles from a Halloween blog listing activities in the region. From there I followed the Facebook page and when I saw a job posting I applied and was hired as the destination services specialist.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, remember people’s names, and ask follow up questions. You never know who you’ll end up working with in the future so leave a good impression.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
Everyone should experience Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, Tennessee at Christmas time at least once. It’s a magical experience and is the perfect mix of excitement at the amusement parks and attractions like Dollywood and becoming one with nature when hiking through the mountains or driving to the top of Cades Cove.
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
I’m excited about smaller destinations and unplugged travel gaining popularity. This is great for rural destinations or destinations with a lot of locally owned restaurants and attractions. These lesser known places add to the charm of the destination and help visitors feel welcome.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
While it’s unbeknownst to her, Michelle Obama has had a huge influence on my career. She has shown that you can spend years in an industry, then start over and start a new career path. Life isn’t linear and you don’t have to stay in one place forever. As you evolve and develop your professional skills, you’re free to branch out to other opportunities. She also quoted the famous line, “When they go low, we go high.” Although that’s easier said than done, she serves as a strong and steadfast example that not everyone will root for you, but they have no effect on how you step out into the world and carry yourself. Lead with kindness, give grace when necessary, and don’t be a doormat.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
When working on a big project (or on a regular day if we’re being honest) I always have an exciting playlist within reach. Depending on the project the genre will change, but if I really need to get pumped I play my “Hits of the early 2000s” playlist to keep me energized.
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would book a flight to New York City. My first love is live theatre and there is nowhere better to experience live theater than Broadway in NYC!
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
My love of Mississippi State athletics has definitely shaped the way I approach my work. Being a fan myself helps me understand what visitors are looking for when they come to Starkville for a game—the excitement, the traditions, the places they want to eat and shop, and the experiences that make a game weekend memorable. I’m able to look at our community through the eyes of a fan and think about what would make me want to come back.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
People might be surprised to learn that when I graduated from college, my long-term career goal was to one day become the tourism director in Starkville. I never lost sight of that goal, even as my career took me through different roles and experiences along the way. To now be doing the job I dreamed about all those years ago is incredibly special. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve a community I love and to wake up every day knowing I get to do my dream job.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
Work in frontline hospitality. Whether it’s at a hotel front desk, waiting tables, working retail or welcoming visitors, there is no better way to learn about the tourism industry than by serving people directly. The skills you gain—from providing great customer service and solving problems on the fly to communicating with all kinds of people and anticipating their needs—will stay with you throughout your career. Frontline experience also gives you a greater appreciation for the people who deliver the visitor experience every single day. No matter where your career in tourism takes you, that perspective is invaluable.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
Washington D.C.
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
I’m excited by the shift toward more authentic, local experiences. Travelers aren’t just looking for a place to stay or a list of things to do—they want to experience a destination the way the people who live there do. They want to know where the locals eat, what traditions make a community special and what they can experience that they can’t find anywhere else. That creates such an opportunity for destinations like Starkville, where our personality, people and sense of place are some of our greatest assets. I love that tourism is becoming less about simply promoting attractions and more about telling the story of a community and inviting visitors to be part of it.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
My parents have had the biggest influence on my career. My mother worked at a DMO for several years when I was in high school, and she was the reason I first realized there were careers in tourism beyond working directly in hotels or restaurants. In many ways, she introduced me to the industry that would eventually become my career.
My dad, who passed away in December 2025, was my sounding board throughout that career. No matter what challenge I was facing or decision I was trying to make, I could talk it through with him. He gave the best advice, and I trusted and valued his perspective immensely. My mom helped me discover the career I love, and my dad helped me navigate it. I’m incredibly grateful for the influence they both had—and continue to have—on the way I approach my work and my life.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
Caffeine!!
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
The Bahamas! I love the beach, being on the water, and especially scuba diving. I could spend most of my day in the water, and if I could fit in a few shark dives, even better! Give me sunshine, a beautiful beach and a great dive, and I’m happy. I also love being able to slow down, unplug and enjoy some time with my family.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
Scuba diving has probably influenced me more than people would expect. One of the first things you learn is, “Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan.” To me, that’s really about being proactive—thinking ahead, being prepared and having a plan before you get started, staying calm, while still being ready to adjust if something unexpected happens. I’ve found that those lessons carry over into my work more than I ever really thought about.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
I started my career on the hotel side of the industry before moving into the CVB world. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in hotels, events, sports and tourism, which has given me a broad perspective on the industry. My hotel background has been especially valuable in my CVB role because I understand the challenges our hotel partners face and what’s important to them. I think that experience helps me build stronger relationships and, most importantly, work together with our partners to bring more visitors to Rutherford County and grow the economic impact of tourism.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting out in tourism?
Build relationships, say yes to opportunities and always be willing to learn. You never know where a conversation or a new connection might lead. Some of the people you meet along the way may become mentors, colleagues or lifelong friends. This is a relationship business, and the people you meet along the way can become some of the most valuable parts of your career.
What’s one destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
New York City. I’ve only been once, but it was such a fun experience. I loved the energy of the city and the people, dining at great restaurants and seeing The Lion King on Broadway. It was definitely different from my everyday life, which is part of what made the trip so memorable.
What’s one tourism trend, idea, or shift you’re excited about right now?
The continued growth of sports tourism. Sports bring people to Rutherford County who may not have otherwise visited, and once they’re here, they’re staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants and experiencing everything our destination has to offer. I’m excited about the opportunity to work together with our tourism partners to grow sports tourism and find even more ways to increase its economic impact in Rutherford County.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
It’s really my family. My husband, my three sons and my daughter-in-law have supported me throughout my career and have always been there to encourage me along the way. They’ve celebrated my accomplishments with me, listened when I needed to talk something through and reminded me to make time for the things that matter most. I’m very grateful for their support and for having them there to share the important moments in my career.
What’s one thing you always have within reach during a busy day?
My calendar and my to-do list are always close by, but honestly, I’d say my CVB team is what I really need within reach. I couldn’t do what I do without them. They’re there to help, bounce ideas around and keep things moving, and I’m very fortunate to have such a great team. And yes, there’s probably a cup of coffee nearby, too!
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Japan. My husband lived there briefly as a kid and has always wanted to go back. It’s on my bucket list.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
I had a job in banking before I moved into hospitality. The culture taught me exactly the kind of leader I never wanted to be.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
My whole life is an accident. That terrible experience [job in banking] led me to a job in a hotel where I found my calling in hospitality and service to others.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
Look for opportunities to create value for your residents. That’s who it’s all about.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
Exuma, Bahamas
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
NIL (name, image, likeness) and all the possibilities it brings for new partnerships with our university and large-scale events we haven’t been able to host before
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
John Wild, our former CEO and career hospitality veteran. He was my mentor and dear friend and the most selfless person I’ve ever known. He taught me that if your true aspiration and laser focus never wavers from serving your community, you will never go wrong. And people respond to that.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
My 64-oz mugosaurus full of water and a pen and notepad. The act of actually writing on paper clarifies ideas for me in a way that working digitally can’t.
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Home! I grew up on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i and am forever grateful to have spent nearly two decades living in paradise; my youth in Hawai'i shaped who I am today. I have not been back home since 2014 and I would love to have the opportunity to take my son, who is now 13, to see where his mom grew up and to have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and places.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
Running. I have had a love-hate relationship with it for nearly two decades, but few experiences have shaped my work and mental stamina more profoundly. Running has taught me perseverance, the value of continuing even when progress feels slow or the finish line seems far away. It has taught me to remain flexible when weather, injuries, or circumstances suddenly disrupt the plan. Most importantly, it has taught me that meaningful results are built through consistent effort, much of it completed quietly when no one is watching. It has also given me a healthier understanding of pacing. Not every mile can be the fastest, just as not every season at work can be a sprint. Sometimes success means pushing harder; other times, it means adjusting expectations, recovering, and preserving enough energy to keep moving forward. I bring those lessons into my work every day: prepare well, adapt when conditions change, trust the cumulative value of small efforts, and keep showing up, even when the outcome is not immediate or guaranteed.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
My first job out of high school was with Dolphin Quest O'ahu, as an apprentice dolphin trainer. While that wasn't the career path I ultimately pursued, it definitely laid the foundation for working in the hospitality and tourism industry.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
I would encourage anyone entering tourism to lean on their peers, especially those in their industry outside their own community. Destinations that may appear to be competitors can become some of your greatest collaborators, resources, and supporters. Travel is not a finite resource in which a visitor chooses one community and never explores another. Strong destinations inspire more travel, and visitors rarely experience our communities according to jurisdictional lines. Reach across those lines. Share ideas, celebrate one another’s successes, and ask for help when you need it. We can all go further when we replace a competition mindset with one of collaboration.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
One of America’s national parks. The specific park matters less than the experience itself: the opportunity to stand in a place preserved for everyone and encounter nature on a scale that inspires awe, reflection, and a deeper sense of stewardship. Theodore Roosevelt has been a tremendous influence on my life, and his commitment to conservation and protecting public lands has always inspired me. We are extraordinarily fortunate to have these natural and historic treasures preserved for public enjoyment, education, and future generations, and I would encourage everyone to experience as many as possible. My personal favorites include Haleakalā National Park in Hawaiʻi, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks in Washington, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, but whichever park calls to you, go. Experiencing these protected places is a powerful reminder of what we have inherited and what we are responsible for preserving.
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
The call-to-action to return to physical media. I have always been someone who enjoyed keeping physical tickets from movies, concerts, flights, etc., earmarking pages in magazines, making notes, and clipping photos and quotes from articles. In an ever increasingly digital world, it excites me to see some audiences demanding a return to physical media and I hope this isn't just a brief, nostalgic "analog" trend, but something that people genuinely reconnect with long term.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
My first real boss, Dean Carpenter, who gave me my first meaningful professional opportunity, has had the greatest influence on my career. I was new to the area, had no experience in a formal office environment, and had little in the way of a résumé or professional references. Still, he saw potential in me and entrusted me with managing his locally owned Anytime Fitness club in Gig Harbor. He gave me the training, tools, structure, and support I needed to succeed, but, just as importantly, he gave me room to think creatively, take ownership, and become personally invested in the organization’s success. Within my first year, our club was earning company-wide awards and recognition, and I was named Manager of the Year among more than 2,000 club managers. He taught me how powerful it can be when a leader combines clear expectations and meaningful incentives with mentorship, trust, and autonomy. Although my career has transitioned away from the fitness industry, his belief in me changed my life's trajectory. The leadership principles he modeled continue to shape how I approach every role, and how I strive to recognize and develop potential in others.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
Music - the perfect soundtrack is always a must for the creative process!
If you could book a flight anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Japan. I’ve always wanted to experience the culture and, of course, try the food. It’s a destination that has fascinated me for a long time, and I’d love the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
What’s one unexpected job, hobby, or experience that shaped the way you approach your work today?
I worked in high-end retail throughout college, and I still use so many of the skills I learned there today. It taught me a lot about customer service, teamwork, and the importance of creating a great experience for people. Just as importantly, it taught me how valuable the relationships you build with your coworkers and good leaders can be. I’m still in touch with many of the people I worked with, which says a lot about the bonds you can build through a shared work experience. It taught me the importance of valuing your team and the people you work alongside.
What’s something about your career journey that people might be surprised to learn?
I spent more than 12 years working in the interior design industry before finding my way into tourism. While the industries may seem very different, I’ve found that many of the skills I developed in design — creativity, project management, collaboration, and understanding how people experience a space — have translated into my work in tourism.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their career in tourism?
I’m really just starting mine, heading into my second year, so I’m still learning every day. But one thing I’ve already found to be true is that tourism is full of some of the kindest and most helpful people. I think it’s important that we continue to create that culture of camaraderie, collaboration, and support among our tourism partners. We’re all working toward making our communities better destinations, and we’re stronger when we support one another.
What’s a destination you think everyone should experience at least once?
The Mississippi Delta, of course! There is nowhere quite like it. From the music and food to the people, history, craftsmanship, and stories that make each community unique, the Delta offers an experience you can’t really replicate anywhere else.
What’s one trend, idea, or shift in tourism that has you genuinely excited about the future?
I love that Mississippi is really leaning into being a culinary destination. People may not immediately think of Mississippi when they think about food travel, but we are absolutely a force to be reckoned with. I’m excited to see more people discover Mississippi and the Mississippi Delta through culinary experiences, local restaurants, makers, farmers, and the incredible food traditions that are part of our culture.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career, and what did they teach you?
My mother. She has supported and encouraged me my entire life, especially when it comes to staying creative and taking that spirit with me wherever I go in my career. I really believe her encouragement and guidance helped lead me to an industry that not only uses my skills, but genuinely fits who I am as a person.
What’s one thing you always have within reach when you’re working on a big project?
Mentors. I’m fortunate to have a great network of people I can call when I need advice, want to bounce an idea off someone, or need help connecting with the right person or place to make something happen. For me, so much of successful tourism work comes down to relationships and healthy partnerships. Whether it’s a big project or a small one, having people you trust and can learn from makes all the difference.