Southeast Tourism Society Recognizes 2026 Shooting Star Honorees at STSConnections in Richmond
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Adrienne Gadling, Director of Marketing & Communications adrienne@southeasttourismsocitey.org
Tourism professionals recognized for their leadership, talent, and contributions to the industry
RICHMOND, Va. (September 2026) –Southeast Tourism Society (STS) recognized the recipients of its 2026 Shooting Star Awards during the STS Connections Conference in Richmond, Virginia. The awards celebrate emerging and established tourism professionals whose work, leadership and contributions are making an impact across the Southeast tourism industry.
2026 Shooting Star Award Recipients
• Abby Tingle – Discover Monroe-West Monroe
• Anna-Grace Agnini – Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing
• Anya Turpin – Visit Perry
• Aubrey Caldwell – Visit Lake Charles/Lake Charles Regional Sports Authority
• Barbara Wolke – Rutherford County CVB
• Carl Sobocinski – Table 301 Hospitality
• Christy Sherman – Richmond Hill, Georgia, Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Cynthia Boone – Charles City, VA Tourism Coordinator
• Dawn Tanner – Big Haynes Creek Nature Center
• Dudley Jackson – Discover South Carolina
• Emily Treme – Visit Lake Charles
• Fred Ferguson – American Bus Association
• Hilda Thomason – Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
• Karen Trevino – North Little Rock Tourism
• Karron Alford – Louisiana Office of Tourism
• Lauren Powell – Visit Cleveland Mississippi
• Leah Poole – Liberty County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Marcus Lawson – Straight Forward Insights
• Marie Stagg – Visit Baton Rouge
• Mercedes Miller – ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Paige Hunt – Greater Starkville Development Partnership
• Robyn Bridges – Auburn-Opelika Tourism
• Shelbey Morris – North Little Rock Tourism
• Sondra Corbitt – Explore Houma
• Tanya Leader – Visit The Northshore
• Toni Chapman – Visit Lake Charles
“Tourism is powered by people who bring new ideas, energy and perspective to our industry,” said Nan Marchand, President & CEO of Southeast Tourism Society. “The Shooting Star recipients represent the talent and dedication shaping the future of tourism across the Southeast. We are proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate the impact they are already making.”
