Excellence in Tourism Leadership 2026 Graduates
Writer: Ethan Heverly
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Thirteen tourism and community development professionals were recognized October 7, 2026, during the Mississippi Tourism Association’s Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Oxford Conference Center in Oxford, Mississippi. Eight completed the second-year Excellence in Tourism Leadership (ETL) Visionary program, and five completed the first-year ETL Professional program.
Developed and conducted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service in partnership with the Mississippi Tourism Association, the Excellence in Tourism Leadership program provides tourism professionals with advanced education, leadership development and practical strategies to strengthen tourism organizations, enhance visitor experiences and support community and economic development throughout Mississippi.
The two-year program offers two levels of professional development: ETL Professional and ETL Visionary. The first year establishes a foundation in tourism leadership, destination development and organizational management. The second year builds on that foundation with advanced leadership concepts, strategic planning, innovative tourism development and strategies for addressing challenges facing the tourism industry.
The 2026 ETL Visionary (Year 2) graduates are:
• Jessie James Diming, special projects coordinator, Emmett Till Interpretive Center, and executive director, Mississippi Delta Heritage Coalition.
• Teresa Blake, administrative assistant, Chickasaw Heritage Center, Tupelo.
• Tina Robbins, TMP, director, Aberdeen Visitors Bureau.
• Shelley Ritter, director, Delta Blues Museum, Clarksdale.
• Crystal Pham, director of sales for sports, events, tour and travel, Explore Ridgeland.
• Rep. Timaka James-Jones, Mississippi House of Representatives, District 51.
• Shana Smith, business development manager, Visit Jackson.
• Tim Moore, executive director, Community Development Partnership, Philadelphia.
Five additional participants were recognized for completing the first year of the Excellence in Tourism Leadership program, earning the ETL Professional designation. These participants have developed foundational skills in tourism leadership, destination development and community engagement and are eligible to continue into the advanced Visionary program. The ETL Professional participants are:
• Shirley Davis Conner, Conner Hospitality Consulting and Metro Memphis Attractions Association.
• Jennifer Lay, outreach and development director at Jimie Lyles Flooring and Stone
• Lauren Powell, director of tourism, Visit Cleveland Mississippi.
• Regina Todd, assistant director, Rankin First
• Leah Veazey, visitor engagement and operations manager, Visit Oxford
“Tourism is an important economic development driver for communities across Mississippi, and strong leadership is essential to maximizing its potential,” said Rachael Carter, Extension economist and community development specialist with the MSU Extension Center for Government and Community Development. “These graduates have demonstrated a commitment to strengthening their organizations, developing innovative tourism experiences and creating opportunities that benefit both visitors and local residents.”
The ETL program combines virtual instruction with in-person learning opportunities, allowing participants to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas with tourism professionals from across the state and apply new strategies within their own communities.
“An important part of this program is helping tourism professionals see beyond their individual organizations and recognize the role tourism plays in the broader economic and community development process,” Carter said. “The relationships and partnerships developed through this program provide opportunities for collaboration that can continue long after graduation.”
The Excellence in Tourism Leadership program is conducted by the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Center for Government and Community Development in partnership with the Mississippi Tourism Association.
For more information about the program, visit https://gcd.extension.msstate.edu/educational-programs/excellence-touris....
Contact: William Poindexter, Mississippi State University Extension Service, Center for Government and Community Development 662-325-3141