Napper elected as chairman of Louisiana Travel Association’s board

Written by: Amanda Quimby Carrier, TMP

“It is an honor to be able to serve the membership of LTA that is spread across the state,” says Napper. “This organization works to lead and strengthen the Louisiana tourism and travel industry. Over the past 57 years, this organization has accomplished so much and I look forward to working with my fellow board members to keep travel and tourism a priority in Louisiana.”

New officers installed on the executive board committee include the following: Janice Delerno Verges, with the Stockade Bed & Breakfast, as vice-chairman; Ben Berthelot, with Lafayette CVC, as secretary; Kerry Andersen, with Pinnacle Entertainment, as treasurer; and Mark Romig, with New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, as immediate past chair.

New members on the board of directors are Timothy Bush, with Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou; Dustin Gontarski, with Compass Media; Jennifer Ritter Guidry, with Atchafalaya National Heritage Area; and Kevin Kelly, with Houmas House Plantation & Gardens.

“Our executive committee and board of directors are responsible for helping us meet the needs of our members and making sure we accomplish our goals of providing educational and marketing opportunities while also advocating on the industry’s behalf,” said Jill Kidder, LTA President and CEO. “We are excited to be starting off another year with a great group of industry leaders that represent the entire state.”

Officers on the executive committee and members of the board of directors are elected during the annual meeting. Each year, the chairman of the board selects a nominating committee that is comprised of members who are not up for re-election and who are not seeking office. This committee is responsible for presenting a slate to the members of the association that recognizes all regions of the state and all segments of the tourism industry.

Louisiana Travel Association strives to lead and strengthen Louisiana’s vibrant tourism industry through promotion, education and advocacy on behalf of members. The membership voted in early 2018 to shorten the association’s name and staff is working with an agency to reveal a full rebrand later this year. Tourism generated $1.04 billion for Louisiana in 2016 and employs more than 230,000 people throughout the state.

About the Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization that works to create, preserve and enhance a variety of quality visitor experiences through the promotion Lincoln Parish. For more information, visit www.experienceruston.com.