Jacquelyn is your strategic friend in the world of tourism. With a wealth of experience cultivated over 10 years in the tourism industry, she brings a unique blend of expertise in strategy development, innovation, and the art of storytelling.

Jacquelyn’s passion for travel marketing runs deep. From engaging with local community leaders to delivering impactful presentations at tourism conferences, her firsthand experiences have honed a keen understanding of what truly drives successful marketing for organizations.

Andrew Nelson has served as a contributing writer and editor for National Geographic Travel since 2001, including a stint as director of editorial projects for National Geographic Traveler magazine. His work has been published in numerous popular media, such as The Wall Street Journal, Salon, The New York Times and San Francisco, with the latter featuring Andrew’s monthly history column “Intersections.” He is a 2-time winner of the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing, and in 2024, National Geographic published his book Here Not There about counterintuitive travel destinations.Andrew is passionate about instilling in people an appreciation for travel, culture and place. He served as a visiting professor at Loyola University New Orleans—teaching on social media, journalism and travel writing—and he currently holds a class on travel and placemaking at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Andrew has also worked as a senior producer for Britannica in San Francisco and Chicago. In the 1990s, he cofounded the award-winning computer gaming company CyberFlix and built the first digitally navigable model of the Titanic for the game Titanic: Adventure Out of Time. His most satisfying accomplishment, however, was restoring an old adobe by hand in the Big Bend near Marfa, Texas. A graduate of Syracuse University, he received his master’s from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism.

Adam Sacks is the President of Tourism Economics; an Oxford Economics company dedicated to unlocking the power of economics for the travel sector. For more than 25 years, Adam has worked with destinations, industry associations, and companies around the world in the areas of policy analysis, market assessments, and economic impact. Adam’s work has provided the foundation for billions of dollars in capital investment decisions by hotel companies, developers, and investors. Adam also manages the ongoing production of travel forecasts that have consistently guided the travel industry through uncertain times. He is an authority on measuring the economic impact of visitor activity and his work regularly informs national and local government policy. Adam is a frequent presenter at conferences (where he will occasionally play guitar) and is a member of the U.S.

Sean (pronounced Seen) is the President of International Tourism Resources Group (ITRG), a company focused on the Education, Promotion, and Development of Inbound Tourism in the United States. In this role, he looks to further US companies and organizations’ knowledge and understanding of how to successfully enter and work with the International Tourism Industry. 

Currently, ITRG works with Brand USA on product development and education initiatives; US Travel is developing their Marketing and Technology Pavilion at IPW, West Virginia, to develop global awareness and grow international tourism into the state, and business development for Papillon Helicopters in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Before founding his own company, Sean accumulated a wealth of experience in the Inbound Tourism Industry, holding key positions with industry leaders such as GTA Travel, AlliedTPro, FTI (meeting Point USA), Bonotel Exclusive Travel, and Americantours International. His diverse array of responsibilities in these roles covered Product Development, Sales and Marketing in Groups and Meetings, Escorted Tours, and FIT fields.

Sean has held positions on many industry boards including IITA, US Travel and IPW advisory, as well as being a recipient of The Stanley Fisher Award for contributions to tourism and is a 3-time Chairman’s Circle Honoree.

A native of the United Kingdom, Sean moved to the United States in 1991 to pursue his career in tourism after many years working in destination services in Europe. Sean enjoys cooking and has been writing a cookbook for 8 years. ” One day, it may get published, and I can retire,” he says.

His favorite quote is, “The sky is not the limit, the limit is your vision.” – Unknown.

TJ Fletcher is the Senior Director of Destination Strategy & Development at Madden Media, where he crafts innovative solutions for tourism partners by aligning their needs with effective marketing strategies. With over a decade of experience in business development, marketing, and strategic communications, TJ specializes in driving exceptional value and fostering strong client relationships. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Advertising from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is a certified Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP). Based in St. Petersburg, FL, TJ is a seasoned tourism marketing expert and a passionate advocate for the tourism industry. This year marks his 10th year attending the West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

Bram began working in hospitality data in 2015 when he joined CBRE, then known as PKF Hospitality Research, as a hotel economist. For the next seven years he would produce national hotel performance forecasts, build new data products, and perform consulting work for hotel companies and DMOs, using his training as a UGA Economics PhD to ensure the analysis was rigorous and valid. In 2022, Bram left CBRE to explore different aspects of the industry and was very excited at the opportunity to work with his long-time colleague Jamie Lane again at AirDNA. Bram currently works on developing short-term rental forecasts and researching regulatory implications in the short-term rental market. Bram writes thought leadership pieces that focus on hospitality data analysis and has been published in Lodging Magazine, Hotel Business Review, and the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. He is also an accomplished speaker and has spoken for the Atlanta Hospitality Alliance, Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association, Savannah Chapter of GHLA, Cobb Travel & Tourism, numerous CBRE Hotels Research presentations, ARES, HFTP, the TTRA 2023 Marketing Outlook Forum and International meeting, and the IMN STR Forum.

Anna Blount, Longwoods International’s Vice President, Research, works with clients, partners, and industry leaders to effectively translate market research into actionable recommendations that fuel marketing and management strategies. With over fifteen years’ experience in market research, Anna both manages client relationships and serves as the internal liaison with the Longwoods Production team on quantitative research, primarily focusing on visitation, resident sentiment, return on investment, and image/brand assessment studies. These efforts are focused on strengthening the connection between the tourism industry and residents, as well as current and future travelers. She is currently a Travel & Tourism Research Association (TTRA) International board member.

Before joining Longwoods five years ago, she was the Director of Market Research for MMGY Global, a leading integrated travel and hospitality marketing agency. While there she led the agency’s signature Portrait of American Travelers® syndicated research project for six years. Before that, she worked for seven years in the Market Research department of Publix Super Markets, a Fortune 100 company.

Anna earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL) and completed Master’s degrees at the University College London and the University of Westminster (London, UK).

George Zimmermann brings three decades of experience in tourism destination marketing and research to the Longwoods team and its clients. 

He was the Vice President responsible for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation from October 2001 until April 2014. Under his leadership, Travel Michigan and its advertising agency, McCann Detroit, created and launched the award-winning Pure Michigan branding campaign in 2006, a campaign that Forbes ranked among the top ten tourism promotion campaigns worldwide. Initially a regional campaign, Pure Michigan became Michigan’s first significant national advertising campaign starting in 2009.  During his tenure, the annual tourism promotion budget rose from $5.7 million to $30 million.

In 2012, the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) named George one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales and Marketing.”  In 2011, the National Council of State Tourism Directors named him State Tourism Director of the Year for his work at Travel Michigan.  Prior to joining Travel Michigan, George served as Ohio’s Tourism Director, and was named State Tourism Director of the Year in 1997. He is the only person to have received this honor twice. 

George served on the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association, and the board and executive committee of the National Council of State Tourism Directors (NCSTD).  He was elected as chair of the council four times.  In 2014, he led the effort to create the NCSTD Alumni Group and was elected the group’s first chair.

George has consulted with and/or presented to the state tourism offices in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as well as convention/visitor bureaus in Asheville, North Carolina; Mansfield/Richland County, Ohio; Chester County, the Poconos, State College, and York, Pennsylvania; Lake Geneva and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Before his work in tourism, George spent more than a decade in all phases of broadcasting, including serving as the Bureau Chief for the Ohio Public Radio/Public Television Statehouse Bureau in Columbus.  He was the editor of the situation comedies “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times” in Los Angeles, and he was the technical director for the two pilots of “Austin City Limits” in Texas.

He is the author of three travel-related books and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. 

Kylee Krizmanic is VP, Editorial Director of Dotdash Meredith’s Travel Marketing Content Studio and Midwest Living magazine. In recent years, Krizmanic and her team have grown the small studio into a travel industry powerhouse with a roster including Princess Cruise Lines, Travel + Leisure Co., West Virginia Tourism, Pure Michigan, Travel Illinois, Visit California, Visit Phoenix, Montana Tourism, Travel Nevada and many other DMOs. Her team produces keepsake travel guides, inspiration pieces, native print and digital programs, short documentary films, in market activations and social content packages. The group won a 2020 FOLIO Award for Best New Custom Magazine for its work with the West Virginia Vacation Guide, and in 2021 they were awarded a coveted ESTO Mercury Award for the second time, recognizing West Virginia as the best in printed travel guides. Krizmanic is a past 40 under 40, has been named to FOLIO’s Top Women in Media and was the recipient of 2020 Editorial Director of the Year. She previously held positions at Parents and Better Homes & Gardens magazine brands after a handful of years building a national agency portfolio. Kylee spends her free time serving on various non-profit boards, coaching youth sports and spending time in her art studio.

Hilary Braaksma is an Editorial Project Manager for Dotdash Meredith Travel Marketing. As part of an innovative and industry-leading tourism content team, she has worked across mediums for some of the nation’s top tourism campaigns, with clients like West Virginia Tourism, North Carolina Tourism and other DMOs. Recent projects include award-nominated keepsake print guides, as well as digital content for popular Dotdash Meredith lifestyle brands, like Travel + Leisure, Food + Wine, and Southern Living. Braaksma’s other client projects include inspiration pieces, social content packages, native digital content and concept-to-completion project management. Before joining Dotdash Meredith, Braaksma held editorial positions with a variety of lifestyle brands and marketing agencies.

George and Chase are the creative partners leading Starboard & Port. They head a team of talented individuals, collaborating to create brand narratives that make an impact across various industries. With George’s meticulous eye for detail and Chase’s imaginative vision, they translate concepts into powerful photographic campaigns. Their combined expertise results in a unique blend of precision and creativity infused into every project.

Driven by their passion for visual storytelling, they’ve embarked on a photographic journey throughout the United States. From the dramatic beauty of Hawaii’s coastline to the serene landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay, they’ve partnered with diverse clients to produce impactful tourism and advertising campaigns. Regardless of the project’s scope, George and Chase remain dedicated to crafting authentic and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

George and Chase are the creative partners leading Starboard & Port. They head a team of talented individuals, collaborating to create brand narratives that make an impact across various industries. With George’s meticulous eye for detail and Chase’s imaginative vision, they translate concepts into powerful photographic campaigns. Their combined expertise results in a unique blend of precision and creativity infused into every project.

Driven by their passion for visual storytelling, they’ve embarked on a photographic journey throughout the United States. From the dramatic beauty of Hawaii’s coastline to the serene landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay, they’ve partnered with diverse clients to produce impactful tourism and advertising campaigns. Regardless of the project’s scope, George and Chase remain dedicated to crafting authentic and compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

For over 25 years, Pat has been telling the story of Appalachia through a tradigital approach. An early adopter of digital marketing, Pat has worked with partners nationwide and locally to develop branding campaigns and media, organic search, paid search, and social media strategies. When he’s not geeking out on analytics or speaking at a trade show, you’ll find him in the place he belongs, the outdoors in our home state.

Kristen Beverage, WV Recreational Economies Initiative Manager at Partner Community Capital, resides near Marlinton, WV, nestled deep within the Monongahela National Forest.  Kristen’s career includes her role as Business Advisor at the WV Women’s Business Center, serving as Executive Director at the Snowshoe Foundation, and experience at the US Forest Service where her passion for trail development and conservation was cultivated. She holds an MA in Applied Community Development and earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from WVU. She advocates for sustainable recreation and rural economic vitality. For leisure she enjoys hiking with her fiancé and daughter, trail-running and camping.

John is a lover of all things outdoors. In the past 15 years he’s worked throughout the outdoor industry as a guide, land manager, and educator and has brought that knowledge to his role at AllTrails. He’s currently collaborating with land managers to help them harness AllTrails to communicate critical information to trail visitors and get access to trail user data that helps protect public lands for generations to come. In his role, he connects with various stakeholders to build product features that help promote safe and sustainable recreation. He currently resides in Western North Carolina, where he loves to trail run, fly fish and climb in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Louis was born and raised in Fayette County, WV where he grew up in a family-owned grocery store. He learned early on the challenges and rewards of small businesses and entrepreneurship. After graduating from WV Tech with a B.S in Accounting, Louis found his way into the world of finance where he worked for nearly 20 years as a Small Business and Commercial Lender for various banks based in Charleston, WV. Louis worked with numerous small businesses during this time assisting with their lending and credit needs while learning and consulting about operations, management styles, capitalization, marketing and other aspects of small business. In January 2023 Louis jumped at the opportunity to work for Partner Community Capital (PCAP) as Business Services Coordinator for the West Virginia Recreational Economies Initiative (WV REI). In this role Louis works closely with Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations who operate in the Tourism and/or Recreation sectors of Southern West Virginia’s economy. Specifically, Louis provides business and financial advisory services and administers third-party Technical Assistance grant funding to WV REI clients. In his spare time Louis can be found fishing or paddling on West Virginia’s streams, rivers and lakes or hiking and birdwatching along her mountain trails.

Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Gisa move to the U.S.A. after the higher education program in the Tourism Sector (travel agency and tour operator). Gisa joined AlliedTPro as General Manager for Florida in 2005 managing all day to day needs of the Orlando office. She simultaneously lead the Southern US Groups Department in developing group product as well as and servicing leisure and MICE buyers worldwide. In 2017 Gisa joined the Product Department as Senior Product Manager for the Southeastern US States as well as the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. She oversees FIT Hotel, Escorted Tour Series and Attraction contracting and product development for her territory. Gisa works continuously to expand the FIT portfolio of boutique and luxury hotel product as well as discovering new and unique experiences and off the beaten path itineraries in her coverage area to add to the wide range of hotel chain connectivity AlliedTPro is working with. Gisa has recently been promoted to VP of Contracting and Product Partnerships for AlliedNewWorld – the joint venture company between AlliedTPro and New World Travel. She is now leading the Product Team for both companies in an effort to expand supplier partnerships and product development.

Jeffrey Lusk is the Executive Director of the Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreational Authority in Man, West Virginia. The Authority is a multi-county economic development agency in charge of managing the over 1,100-mile Hatfield-McCoy Recreational Trail System in southern West Virginia.  Mr. Lusk has worked as an economic development and business financing professional for over 28 years. He is a Certified Economic Developer and Certified Community Developer, and he has obtained the designation as an Economic Development Financing Professional. He currently serves as the Governors appointed Chairman of the West Virginia Tourism Advisory Council, Chairman of the Partner Community Capital Board of Directors and Chairman of the Region Two Planning and Development Council Board of Directors.   Mr. Lusk’s formal education includes a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Marshall University and undergraduate degrees from Penn State University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. He currently resides in Charleston, West Virginia.

Mallory Smith is a Sr. Client Partner at Tripadvisor, covering the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West and Florida panhandle regions. Having been at Tripadvisor for over 12 years, she is passionate about driving destination impact for partners. She grew up in Maine but now lives in Brooklyn with her fiancé Scott and rescue pup Sonja. Despite living in the city, she has a passion for nature and is a certified beekeeper and sommelier. When not traveling, she is currently trying to eat from restaurants from all around the world in New York City. 56 countries and counting… Look forward to partnering with you.

Chelsea Ruby was appointed Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism by West Virginia’s 36th Governor, Jim Justice in March 2021. This appointment marked an elevation of the West Virginia Tourism Office to a cabinet-level department, where Ruby served as Tourism Commissioner for four years. Tourism is a pillar of Governor Justice’s administration. As Secretary, Ruby leads efforts to unify and promote the state’s Almost Heaven brand, advance tourism development, and promote the Mountain State to a broader audience, featuring West Virginia as a year-round travel destination to both national and international travelers.

Sarah leads the Marketing & Consumer Insights team as our Director. She received her bachelors and masters degrees from Marshall University and applies her skills in the marketing field. She loves social and web design, working with partners, and making things happen! Her favorite place to visit in West Virginia is Dolly Sods.

Destiny Workman serves as the Cooperative Advertising Coordinator at the West Virginia Department of Tourism. In this role, she runs the Cooperative Advertising Program, a public-private partnership program designed to increase awareness for the state and its tourism businesses through joint advertising opportunities. Through her time at the Department, she has experience executing paid media strategies within the travel and tourism landscape. Destiny earned a B.A. in Integrated Communications from the University of Charleston. As a West Virginia native, Destiny gets to do what she loves daily — promote the wonders of the state’s scenic landscapes, charming culture and unforgettable adventures.

Kaycee Lantz serves as the Advertising Coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Tourism. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from West Virginia University and is very passionate about partner communication, creative execution and media strategy. Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Kaycee is honored to be a part of the mission to promote the gorgeous Mountain State alongside fellow visionaries.

Paige serves the West Virginia Department of Tourism as the Social Media Coordinator. She studied Advertising and Public Relations at WVU and has been a part of our team ever since. She loves creating Reels, connecting with partners, and traveling all over the Mountain State! Her favorite place to visit in Almost Heaven is the New River Gorge.