PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 22, 2021

CVB Contact: Abby Wise
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: awise@monroe-westmonroe.org

Abby Wise and Addison White introduced as members of the 2021 Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy

Baton Rouge, LA - The Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) introduced Abby Wise, Public Relations and Media Coordinator of Discover Monroe-West Monroe and Addison White, Multimedia Content Developer of Discover Monroe-West Monroe as members of the Louisiana Tourism Leadership Academy (LTLA) class of 2021 at its Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 in Baton Rouge.

The goal of LTLA is to further educate those within the tourism industry by developing their
leadership skills, strengthening their communication networks, and informing them about the
responsibilities of leadership in building and enriching their tourism-related organizations.
Class members will participate in six class sessions and tackle group projects throughout the
year, while learning from the experiences of seasoned tourism professionals.

“I’m excited to participate with other tourism leaders in the Louisiana Tourism Leadership
Academy,” said Abby Wise, Public Relations and Media Coordinator of Discover Monroe-West
Monroe. “I look forward to learning from the group of established leaders in the tourism
industry and using their expertise to better myself and organization.”

The 2021 class of LTLA includes: Christopher Aucion-Melohn, St. Charles Public School - Lafon
Arts Center; Sibyl B Cannon, Tangipahoa CVB; Ray Cloutier, Lafayette CVC/TRAIL; Sondra
Corbitt, Houma Area CVB; Liz Crews, Shreveport CTB; Anne Cummins, Natchitoches CVB;
Chantel Deville, Houma Area CVB; Sarah Hill, Louisiana's Northshore/St. Tammany Parish TCC;
Tara Johnson, Visit Lake Charles; Kristen Kelly Shiver, Visit Lake Charles; Amy Lee, Cane River
National Heritage Area; Eugenie Mitchell, Lafayette CVC; Stephanie O'Rourke, Sleep Inn- AZM
Hospitality; Serena Pandos, Visit BR/La Arts and Science Museum; Jady Regard, Cane River
Pecan Company; Rebecca Taylor, Louisiana Life- Acadiana Profile; Kelly Shane Wells, Tangi
Parish Government; Lisa Thibodaux, Visit BR/MPowerZone; Aly Velasquez, Shreveport CTB;
AND Andre Watkins, River Parish Tourist Commission.

“LTA is proud to announce this group of 23 individuals who represent all areas of the state
and all aspects of the tourism industry,” said Jill Kidder, LTA President and CEO. “We’re
excited to see how the program will impact each of them both personally and professionally.”
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
$1.92 billion for Louisiana in 2019 and employs more than 242,200 people throughout the
state. For more information, visit LouisianaTravelAssociation.org.

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Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel,
conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.