Shreveport-Bossier CTB's Jessica Rodgers and Charlotte "Charlie" Rice, CAP, Graduate from the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy
Graduating class contributes more than $100,000 in pro bono work for Louisiana companies.
New Orleans, La. (February 2, 2023) – The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) celebrated the graduation of Jessica Rodgers, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourism Bureau’s (SBCTB) convention sales manager and Charlotte “Charlie” Rice, CAP, director of administration for SBCTB from the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA) at the association’s 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
The 22 members of the LTLA class spent all of 2022 developing their leadership skills while learning from seasoned professionals from throughout the tourism industry. The program aims to equip each class member with knowledge and skills that will enrich their tourism-related organizations, therefore strengthening the state-wide tourism industry.
“I am excited to graduate as part of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy class of 2022,” said Rice. “It is an honor to work with and learn alongside some of our state’s top tourism professionals.”
“We were exposed to a lot of new ideas, and I learned so much from established leaders in the tourism industry,” added Rodgers. “I believe I will benefit from this program for years to come.”
The graduating class of LTLA also includes: Cody Gray, Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou; Creed M. Romano, with Jeff Davis Parish Tourist Commission; Dana Monistere, with Tangipahoa Parish Tourism; Danielle Tassin, with Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette; Georgia Craven, with Toledo Bend Lake Country; Hannah Nyman, with Visit Lake Charles; Herman Fuselier, with St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission; Katherine Diemont, with Homewood Suites by Hilton Slidell; Kaylynn Lundy, with Hilton Garden Inn Lafayette Cajundome; Laci Laperouse, with St. Martin Parish Tourism; Lance Leblanc, with Lafayette Travel; Leanna Coy; Nancy Loewer, with Acadia Convention & Visitors Commission; Roberta Carrow Jackson, with St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission; Tara Morvant, with Explore Houma; Shalisa Roland, with Visit Lake Charles; Denise Burrell, with River Parishes Tourist Commission; Cheryl Michelet, with BREC – Recreation and Park Commission; Luke St. John McKnight, with Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge; and Regan Davis Sanders, with the Louisiana Office of Tourism.
Members of the class also gave back to the tourism community by selecting businesses within the industry for pro-bono projects. Collectively, the value of the class’ tourism product enhancement and marketing work exceeded $100,000.
“LTLA has been a tremendous opportunity for those interested in learning more about Louisiana’s tourism industry, and we are proud of the 2022 graduating class,” said Kim Dodd Boasso, LTA President and CEO. “Not only has this program individually benefited these emerging leaders, but the LTLA class projects are paying off significant dividends for the entire industry.”
About the Louisiana Travel Association
LTA is a trade association leading and strengthening Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through promotion, education and advocacy on behalf of our members. Tourism generated $16.8 billion for Louisiana in 2021 and is the 5th highest employer in the state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.
CONTACT
Katharyn DeVille
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau
(318) 429-0638
kdeville@sbctb.org
RELEASE DATE:
February 2, 2023
The official press release is available for download below.
