2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carl Nichols, Director
Carla Reece - Administrative Assistant
Dorothy Shuford (Appalachian Experience ) PRESIDENT
The Appalachian Experience is represented by Dorothy Shuford.
Bradley Smiddy (Campbell) -Immediate Past President
Bradley Smiddy works as a Grants Analyst 3 for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Recreation Resources Division. Bradley determines grant eligibility for local, state, and federally funded Parks and Recreation grants - as ways to build local economies through recreation and tourism. Bradley also proudly serves as President of the Campbell Culture Coalition and Director of Postmark Filmworks (at Postmark LaFollette: Arts, Culture, and History Center) in Campbell County, TN.
Nita Louthan (TN At-Large, Vice President)
The state of Tennessee at large is represented by Nita Louthan. Nita was an original founder of this organization. She served for years on the Claiborne County tourism board, she served on the New Tazewell City Council, and she has served as president of this board. She has recently retired after many years as being the director of nursing at the Claiborne County Health Department.
Christina McGrath (Claiborne County) – Treasurer
Claiborne County is represented by Christina McGrath. She assisted and worked through every activity that the tourism board sponsors. She is currently employed by the US postal Service. She currently serves as treasurer of our board.
Bill Heck (State Parks and Recreation) – Executive Committee
Our eleven state parks and one national park are represented by Bill Heck. Bill is the director of the Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing Virginia. He was the leader in moving the Martin Station Fort from Rose Hill to the grounds of the Wilderness Road State Park. He also serves as director of the annual raid on Martin Station at the state park.
Kristin Byers (Bell)
Bell County is represented by Kristin Byers.
Ken Coffey (Grainger)
Grainger County is represented by Ken Coffey. Ken is the Granger County Historian as well as an authority on the civil war history in east TN. He also serves on the board of directors of the Lakeway Civil War Preservation Association.
Brandon Pennington (Harlan)
Harlan County is represented by Brandon Pennington. Brandon is the director Visit Harlan County. He also serves as director of the Harlan Tourism and Convention Center.
Janet Collins (Hancock)
Hancock County is represented by Janet Collins.
Marcia Dixon (Knox)
Knox county is represented by Marcia Dixon. Marcia is the Barbourville Director of Tourism and the owner of Lillian June Clothing and Gift Store. She also serves as Vice President of Barbourville Woman’s Study Club, Member of Knox County UNITE, and a Member of Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
Keith Harless (Lee)
Lee County Virginia is represented by Keith Harless. Keith is the director of tourism and city manager for the Town of Pennington Gap. In the two years that he has held this position he has worked miracles in bringing business and the community back to Pennington Gap.
Thomas Skibinski (Union)
Union County is represented by Thomas Skibinski.
Lisa Kelsey (Whitley)
Whitley County Kentucky is represented by Lisa Kelsey.
Dr Gary Burchett (LMU Representative)
The LMU Representitive is represented by Dr Gary Burchett. Dr Burchett was a founding member of this organization. For many years he served as president of Lincoln Memorial University. After retirement from that position, he has since served on the LMU Board of Trustees.
Karen Maggard (VA at large)
The State of Virginia at large is represented by Karen Maggard.
Laura Adkisson (KY At-Large)
Representing Kentucky-at-Large and Downtown Revitalization is Laura Adkisson. She serves as the downtown development coordinator for Harlan Toursim. Laura also snvolved in Kentucky Travel Industry a a member of the Department of Tourism’s regional group, “Daniel Boone Country”.
Denise Wainscott (Region at large)
The Region at large is represented by Denise Wainscott.
Linda McGafee (Cumberland Gap)
Representing the town of Cumberland Gap.
Mona Dotson (Music)
Music is represented by Mona Dotson.
Doug Fitz (Art)
Art is represented by Doug FItz.
Sherry Cornett (Adventure)
Representing Adventure is Sherry Cornett
Rick Diamond (History)
Representing history is Rick Diamond.
In partnership with:
Southern Travel USA
Southeast Tourism Society
Southeast Festivals & Fairs Association
Boone Trace Association of Lexington Kentucky
Middle East TN Tourism Council
Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association